Love In the Global Garden: OC’s Celebrated Landscaper Plants a Seed of Good in Hawaii
Lumeria Maui photo by Moriah Diamond
On August 7th, 2012– Renowned Global Gardener, Ruben Flores, the internationally acclaimed landscaper CEO of Visionscape and owner of Laguna Nursery in Laguna Beach, arrived in Maui with his team on a mission to plant the country’s first community Global Garden in Hawaii. The garden’s creation was a pledge to connect with international communities that embrace sustainable living and at the same time, give back to international countries via travel.
The inspired project originated through a mutual endeavor between travel agent, Kathy Marino, CEO and founder of Hauteoc Traveler, a corporate partner of non-profit Globalgiving.org, and Flores’ own companies Laguna Nursery and VisionScape. The goal was simple: To give back to the community by creating the first-ever International Global Garden. The plot of land was donated by Lumeria Maui, and cultivated, ‘worked’ through the generous support of volunteers provided by Team Home Depot Maui, Newport Beach-based company Azonic Insurance, and the Maui Adventurers.
Xorin Balbes, CEO Lumeria Maui, Ruben Flores, CEO Laguna Nursery, and David Adelmann, The Maui Home Depot
Global Gardner Ruben Flores, CEO of Laguna Nursery & VisionScape
The garden was then offered as a component of the iconic Maui Global Garden Tour–one of Hawaii’s most prestigious sacred gardens, which offers farm-to-table dining hosted by multiple high-profile executive chefs, in the hopes of connecting and creating new friends and new fans.
Kathy Marino, CEO of Hauteoc Traveler
The Global Garden: Maui Travel Itinerary was designed by Hauteoc Traveler while the community Global Garden: Project Maui was built and nurtured by Laguna Nursery.
The combined mission was orchestrated to build a Group Travel Tour experience unlike any other – to “Travel, Give, Advocate and Live” while embracing the true spirit of ‘Aloha.’
“We made an organic difference in the gardens at Lumeria Maui —- it’s so rewarding to give and then receive 100 fold. To work in paradise is its own prize. Thanks Home Depot Maui, Lumeria and Meet up group Maui Adventurers and Friends!” says Flores.
Enchanting Lumeria Maui
The event was hosted at the newly renovated majestic educational retreat center, Lumeria Maui, in Makawao countryside, a six-acre private sanctuary that overlooks the North Shore of Maui with luxurious stunning ocean and island views. An authentic island experience with renovated historical buildings, lush tropical gardens, was the perfect place to reconnect with the earth, making it the ideal location for the first Global Garden Project.
With incredible coordination and teamwork, the first official Global Garden at Lumeria Maui was completed in under three hours thanks to the leadership of Ruben Flores, CEO of VisionScape and owner of Laguna Nursery, Kathryn Marino, CEO of Hauteoc Traveler, with the support of Xorin Balbes owner of Lumeria Maui, and the amazing hands-on work of Team Home Depot Maui, Irene Krinsky, CEO of Azonic Insurance, and many other generous helping hands.
The Home Depot Maui staff and volunteers donated and delivered supplies for the completion of the community garden as part of the company’s commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations and making a lasting impact to local communities.
Our Global Gardener Ruben Flores with Team Home Depot Maui
Patrons will not only be able to visit the most compelling sacred Gardens of Maui but also enjoy private guided tours and farm-to-table dining experiences hosted by select top executive chefs at exclusive properties.
Irene Krinsky, CEO of Azonic Insurance at O'O Farms
Also included in the itinerary is an opportunity to donate two hours to the local community workday volunteer program held at Maui Nui Cultural Center. All in all, a fantastic way to learn about the native history and cultural livelihood of Maui, while helping residents sustain their gardens.
THANK YOU HOME DEPOT MAUI TEAM FOR SUPPORTING THE GLOBAL GARDEN!!!
The Home Depot Maui their staff and volunteers, donated and delivered supplies for the completion of the community garden as part of the company’s commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations and making a lasting impact to local communities.
Mellisha Fehr and Barbara Unity - Thank you for your Support Maui Adventurers!
The Global Garden: Maui Tour Itinerary is now Available Year-Round through Hauteoc Traveler Patrons will not only be able to visit the most compelling sacred Gardens of Maui but also enjoy private guided tours and farm-to-table dining experiences hosted by select Top Executive Chefs at exclusive properties.
Also included in the itinerary is an opportunity to donate 2 (two) hours to the local community workday volunteer program held at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens a wonderful way to learn about the native history and cultural livelihood of Maui while helping them sustain their gardens;
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit botanical garden concerned with the livelihood of endangered native Hawaiian and Polynesian-introduced plants, located on a coastal sand dune system, the only one of its kind in Hawai‘i. All plants in their collection are either endemic or indigenous to Hawai‘i, or came to Hawai‘i via the voyaging canoes of the first Polynesian settlers. The plants in their collection are truly coastal (naturally salt and drought tolerant) with Hawaiian cultural significance and medicinal uses - donations are always welcomed.
The Road to Hana
The Global Garden Travel Tour Itinerary: Project Maui is supported by the Following Participating Maui Properties and community businesses.
On behalf of Hauteoc Traveler, Laguna Nursery and VisionScape, we would like to thank the following supporters for their generous contributions in making a world of difference in our Global Garden Maui Experience: Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat Center | Four Seasons Maui | The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua | The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Ambassadors of the Environment | Makena Beach and Golf Resort | The Home Depot Maui | Azonic Insurance | Maui Nui Cultural Center
Adisa Omar C. of OmZone Maui Radio
KDLX OmZone Maui R&B Radio and The Maui Adventurers for making this possible!
“To unite our global community in a one world, one love concept is so present and timely for today.
To reach and teach as one including the young and old will plant seeds in the hearts of our global neighbors that will echo for years to come. Teach a man to grow and he will eat for the rest of his life. Mahalo for choosing Maui as the maiden voyage Global Garden. One Heartbeat!”
- Adisa Omar C. of OmZone Maui.
Dream Team - Kathy Marino, Nelson Coates, Irene Krinsky, Ruben Flores
Each time a Global Garden Maui Itinerary is booked, a portion of the proceeds gives back to Globalgiving.org/Hauteoc.
Contact us directly at 949-683-2228 to learn more how you can Plant a Seed of Good. | Skype: HauteocTraveler
Thank you Lumeria Maui for making this possible!!
Photo by Moriah Diamond Maui
“It was inspiring to be a part of first-time event like the Global Garden, and I believe it has such possibility for years to come as we showcase what is achievable when you combine travel and show an appreciation of cultural heritage through escorted tours.,” said Kathy Marino, Hauteoc Founder. “I am honored to be surrounded by people who share the commitment of supporting amazing local farmers, and strengthening heritage species in culinary venues nationwide.” “Love Is” meeting you All thank you for your Support!
Team Global Garden Maui!!!” - Kathryn Marino, CEO/President Hauteoc Traveler
Music Video Dedicated to All Our friends
and Supporters on Maui
Tune in to KDLX OmZone Maui R&B Radio
by
FREERADICALS
PROJEKT “LOVE IS”
shore break . . .
Global Gardners at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
