The oldest of the botanical gardens in the city is rich in horticultural history, says historians
Plants of different heights and colors make up the garden grounds of the Fosters Botanical Garden. It is the oldest of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens and displays over two-dozen trees, says Travel Hawaii website. It stands as a cornerstone in the history of landscape architecture and horticultural research in Hawai‘i, recognized for its historical importance on the National Historic Register, according to historichawaii.org.
A brief timeline
FBG stands as a cornerstone in the history of landscape architecture and horticultural research in Hawai‘i, recognized for its historical importance on the National Historic Register, according to historichawaii.org. This garden is intertwined with the legacies of several notable figures in Hawaiian history, including Dr. William F. Hillebrand, Queen Lili‘uokalani, Mary E. Foster and plant pathologist and botanist Harold L. Lyon. Their contributions have shaped the development of this verdant sanctuary. The garden's preservation, care, and management of its unique plant collections play a crucial role in the historical conservation of the Hawaiian Islands, making it a vital part of the region's heritage.
Rhoda Hackler, with a doctorate in history from University of Hawaii at Manoa, said the garden covers more than 13.5 acres of land and is located by the eastern side of Waikiki, Nu’uanu Avenue and Nu’uanu stream. “Dr. Hillebrand leased 6 acres of land in Waikahalulu from Queen Kalama and started assembling a variety of botanical species in 1853," she added.
Hackler explained Hillebrand’s agricultural efforts led to the growth of ornamental, shade fruit and flowering trees in the garden. “He compiled and published a book in 1886 called Flora of the Hawaiian Islands when he went back to Germany.” she added.
According to the Historic Hawaii website, the garden was purchased by Mary Mikahala Elizabeth Foster in 1880. Among the projects she added were an irrigation system and leasing two acres to Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association for an experiment station led by botanist, Dr. Harold Lyon in 1919, says the website.
The two sections and historic sites of Foster Botanical Garden
The garden is divided into two distinct sections. The southernmost section, known as Foster Garden, spans 13.5 acres, while the northern section, Lili‘uokalani Garden, covers nearly 7.5 acres. The construction of the Lunalilo Highway and the expansion of Vineyard Blvd have altered the landscape between these two gardens, according to Hawaii Historic Foundation website.
FBG features:
1. Upper Terrace: The oldest section, where the Hillebrands built their home in 1855.
2. Middle Terrace: Showcases tropical palms, aroids, heliconia, and ginger.
3. Economic Garden: Displays different herbs, spices, dyes, and poisons, as well as coffee and cocoa plants.
4. Prehistoric Glen: Features primitive plants from around the globe, including cycads, the world’s oldest seed-bearing plants, some dating back 250 million years—predating the dinosaurs.
5. Lyon Garden: Houses a collection of Old and New World orchid species.
6. Conservatory: An indoor greenhouse featuring an array of tropical flowers and plants.
Trees with significance in the garden
FBG is also home to approximately 25 Exceptional Trees, historic trees protected by law, according to historic hawaii.org. “These include the Tropical Almond tree, the Loulu Palm (native to Hawai‘i), the Baobab tree, and the Bodhi tree.” Research states that these are some of the trees that hold sacred meanings that contribute to the historical and cultural significance of Foster Botanical Garden, making it an important site for both locals and visitors.
Anagarika Dharmapala, a national religious hero and a key figure in the Buddhist revival movement, who was born in Sri Lanka in 1864. In 1893, he was a keynote speaker at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Therefore, on his way home, he stopped in Honolulu and met Mary Foster, gifting her a branch of the Bodhi tree. She became his patron and friend for 40 years, reportedly donating $10 million to support Buddhism around the world.
The Bodhi Tree, considered a sacred tree, located in Bodh Gaya, India, is the very tree under which Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) attained enlightenment. Known as the Tree of Awakening or Tree of Enlightenment, its scientific name is Ficus religiosa. The first cutting of the Bodhi tree was brought to Honolulu in 1913 by Sri Lankan Buddhist revivalist Anagarika Dharmapala as a gift to Mary Foster, who planted it in the garden. Most Buddhist temples in America have a cutting from this tree. The Bodhi tree is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves and broad, umbrella-like shape.