Liliuokalani Park and Gardens featured in journal

The second annual Journal of the North American Japanese Garden Association features a story on Hilo’s Liliuokalani Park and Gardens in a section devoted to gardens celebrating a centennial.

“It is such a delight to see and so important for Hilo to be included in this professional Japanese gardening publication that receives international distribution,” said journal editor K.T. Cannon-Eger. “Liliuokalani Gardens will mark 100 years since construction began with a year full of activities in 2017.

“Friends of Liliuokalani Gardens, a charitable organization, was formed to help the county prepare for the centennial and to ensure the continuation of this unique garden, a jewel at the gateway to Hilo.”

Ongoing efforts include monthly volunteer workdays at Liliuokalani Park and Gardens.

The next scheduled volunteer days are 8 a.m.-noon May 15 and June 13. Volunteers are asked to bring their favorite tools, although the Friends group will provide some equipment, gloves and refreshments.

Plans for the centennial year include a major event in, or connected to, Liliuokalani Park and Gardens every month of the year, Cannon-Eger said.

“An art show, a floral design event, fun run and gala are among projects in the planning stage,” she said, in addition to traditional annual events such as the Queen Liliuokalani Festival in September, the Urasenke of Hilo anniversary in July and fundraising walks organized by the Hawaii Heart Association, Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation, Hawaii Animal Shelter, and police and firefighters.

The journal is published annually by the North American Japanese Garden Association. For more information about the association, visit www.najga.org or call (503) 222-1194.