Well this is a story about the Resort we were traveling too. I like to call it the “BOWLER RANCH”. There are dogs, chickens, birds, pigs, horses, donkeys, a Zebra (yes a Zebra) and some really long horned cattle in the area and can be seen on a regular basis. There are Lava Tubes in the area also and in fact some located on the Ranch, they are actually caves which are explored by Al’s neighbors. The Cavers, as they are known locally, will give you a tour of the caves, and study them frequently. Other critters in the area are the pre-historic Moths which have a wing span of up to 6” (the biggest one I have seen) and they are not afraid of you. I believe they live in the caves and are attracted to lights at night.
The land or I should say the property base is an actual Lava flow with intricate patterns, shapes, color and texture. The area for the house was tested for hollow spots or caverns to ensure a solid foundation for the house and other construction areas. To develop the property, crushed lava, dirt and selected rock had to be hauled in to for the driveways, parking areas, lanai, flower beds and tree bases.
There are some natural trees in the area but very few around here or should I say at this elevation which makes a huge difference in rain fall, temperature and vegetation. Al has a tree (I believe it is an Ohelo Tree) as the centerpiece for the front yard; it is a work of art, partly covered with leaves and part dormant, with twisted and crooked branches which add to one of natures master pieces. Other species planted in the area are Cactus, succulents, shrubs, palms and vines.
Two of the varieties deserve to be expanded on, the Bougainvillea and the Ironwood trees, both varieties are established all over the island. First will be the Bougainvillea, classified as evergreen in wet climates and deciduous in dry areas. If given some soil, fertilizer and water on a regular basis, two to four times a week, the plants will take hold and produce a beautiful crop of flowers and thorns tipped with a black waxy substance. The plants will grow a vine up to 12’long which could tear you to shreds if you are caught in them. Some people plant them as a hedge around the property to keep all critters out. They are thick and impenetrable so nothing except bugs gets through them, but they are beautiful and come in a variety of colors.
The other plant or I should say tree to discuss is the Iron Wood Tree. They are fast growing, about a foot a year and are soft and supple with fine leaves or needles. At certain stages of life or seasons the tops get a yellow powder on them, probably pollen which attracts bees like honey. They softly sway in the breeze and you can hear the wind whisper in the branches as they slowly sway like an exotic dancer to slow, soft music.
Development of the landscape is an ongoing project and a trial and error situation due to the requirements of new species and the ability to have scheduled care and water applied. The local weather patterns appear to have been routed around the local area, probably due to the hills and being close to South Point, therefore it is a dry area. Although rain is scarce, when it does rain here it can be intense and last a few hours.