Friday, April 10, 2009

Short Circuit in the Lo'i

Shades of "Silent Running" -- MIT students have created gardening robots. Google that, and you'll come up with even more.

The idea, they say, is to create workers to do the difficult work of agriculture. It's hard to resist the seduction of technology, but of course such inventions are really just sustaining the model of agribusiness and large corporate farms.

If they can get robots to wade without getting stuck in the mud of a taro patch to pick off all the apple snails, maybe I'll be convinced. But let me plant my own huli -- I need the exercise, sunshine and fresh air.

Plant Yourself at Lyon Arboretum
If you’re on Oahu this weekend, check out the Lyon Arboretum Plant Sale at the Blaisdell Center, Saturday, April 11. There will be plants, plants and more plants for sale -- 30 vendors, and native plants from the arboretum -- educational displays, and children’s activities. Call (808) 988-0472.

Classes at Lyon Arboretum in April:
Water Gardens 2, Saturday, April 18, 9:30 to 11:30 am, $15
Flower Arrangements: Outdoor Installations, Friday, April 24, 9:00 to 11:30 am, $10
Call (808) 988-0461 or (808) 988-0465.

Register now for summer keiki camps for K-4:
Summer Science Explorations, June 15-19, 8 am to 2:30 pm $175
Nature Discovery Camp, June 22-26, 8 am to 2:30 pm, $175

For more info on classes at the Arboretum, click here.

Here Today, Gone to Maui
This Saturday I'm at Borders in Kahului at 10 am; on Lana'i at Mike Carroll Gallery, 3 to 5 pm. See you there!

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