In 2016, a group of our families came together on Maui with the intention to teach our children how to live more in relationship with the land. That intention led us to our current property in Haiku.
Once the sole home of sugarcane, we found the soil here to be in deep disrepair–depleted of nutrients from decades of mono-cropping, obstructed by plastics from weed mats, and clogged with the remains of a decomposed irrigation system.
The work was daunting, but it proved to be enriching beyond measure.
‘a’ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia
“No Work is too big when shared by all”
We continued to answer the calls of the land and along the way were blessed to connect with Kupuna George Kahumoku Jr.
Under his mentorship, we have unearthed timeless Hawaiian wisdoms that now inform our path.
The power of Ahonui, or patience, for instance; to continue to put our energy into the land, no matter how challenging it felt at times.
The power of Ha’aha’a, humility, to show up as sincere students of the land, and in so doing, teaching our children the same kind of reverence.
The power of Aloha, love, to adore and appreciate the land that served to connect us more with the process of regenerating the land and growing produce.
And most importantly, Laulima, the name of our gardening collective. In Hawaiian, Laulima means “the work of many hands.” It is only thanks to our collaborative efforts that we can now share with you the fruits of our labor.
Laulima Garden ‘Ohana is inspired by our Polynesian climate, by Hawaiian, Biodynamic, and Korean farming techniques, and we have joined forces with an intention to empower families to grow food easily by taking notice of the foods of the region.
We serve as an agent of outreach and education, inspiring community to grow food in their yards, and to serve as an example that more sustainable living need not be daunting or overwhelming. Begin with what plants thrive where you live, and a little aloha, and the rest will follow.
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Laulima Garden ‘Ohana is the educational garden branch of our larger non-profit Maui ‘Ohana Collective, which serves the community by way of providing Homeschool Resource Services, Hawaiian Cultural Education, and Alternative Health & Special Education by way of ‘Ohana Lapa ‘au
Laulima Garden ‘Ohana is the educational garden branch of our larger non-profit Maui ‘Ohana Collective, which serves the community by way of providing Homeschool Resource Services, Hawaiian Cultural Education, and Alternative Health & Special Education by way of ‘Ohana Lapa ‘au. Help us by donating.
