Story by Savy Janssen | Photos by John Giordani
Home as Masterpiece
Ron and Peggy are lifelong connoisseurs of the arts. After purchasing two acres in Upcountry Kula in 2003, they added flora to their passion for all things aesthetic. “There’s nothing more beautiful,” says Peggy, gesturing out at the view that makes every window look like a framed work of art. “To be surrounded by this vista — it’s so peaceful.”
Green pathways wander amid islands of stunning bromeliads, succulents and fruit trees — an Eden that, unlike its namesake, takes constant work to maintain in so pristine a condition. “Every time we go for a walk in the garden, about ten seconds later, we’re down on our knees, pulling weeds,” Peggy laughs. “But we love it. You’d have to be crazy to do this if you didn’t enjoy it.
Biggest Challenge: “When we bought the property, the bottom of the yard was a jungle. It’s also on a fairly steep slope, so we had to do a lot of clearing and landscaping.”
Tip: Because Kula can often be dry, Peggy says, “We sought out succulents, oleander, protea and other drought-tolerant plants. It’s wise to experiment, and to ask a lot of questions of the neighbors.”
RESOURCES
Aloha Honua
2040 Pi‘iholo Rd., Olinda
808-572-9440 | AlohaHonua.com
Islandscapes LLC
2447 Kamaile St., Wailuku
808-298-8413 | gmohrlang@gmail.com
Ki Hana Nursery
1746A S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei
808-879-1165 | KiHanaNursery.com
Kula Hardware & Nursery
3100 L. Kula Rd., Kula
808-878-2551 | TrueValue.com
Maui Succulents
35 Po‘ohina Rd., Kula
808-878-3121
