Honolulu Weekly

That thou, light-winged Dryad of the trees,

Singest of summer in full-throated ease.

–John Keats, Ode to a Nightingale

It’s midsummer. Don’t you crave a lush and shady garden picnic surrounded by chicle trees, music, African doum palms, birds and happy children? Foster Botanical Garden finishes its Thursday evening Twilight Summer Concerts with Ha’aheo on July 20 and a harp ensemble on July 27.

Foster Botanical Garden, the oldest of the five Honolulu Botanical Gardens, which include Lili’uokalani, Wahi’awa, Koko Crater and Ho’omaluhia, is known for its palm collection, orchid garden, prehistoric glen and magnificent trees. Conveniently and incongruously situated just above Chinatown, the garden is ethereal and lovely in the late afternoon. Pathways beckon, offering solitude and a peaceful ease into evening. Families, couples, groups of friends and sole listeners congregate in a grassy courtyard for the summer concerts–some snooze, some sing along, some eat dinner, kids explore and run. It’s all free and so is the parking.

Summer’s winding down. Stop and smell the lignum vitae.

Twilight Summer Concerts, Foster Botanical Garden, Thu 7/20 & 7/27, 4:30-7:15pm (concert 5:45-6:30pm), free, 522-7066