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HawaiiGardens Analysis by Diane Foster

Editorial Standards

How HawaiiGardens Reviews Products

Diane Foster, Founder & Editor
This page explains how HawaiiGardens works — what we cover, how we evaluate plants and products, and where our perspective comes from.

What this site does

HawaiiGardens is an editorial resource for anyone growing tropical plants on the mainland or in Hawaii. After a decade in tropical plant commerce — from big-box retail to boutique nurseries — I built this site to close the gap between the dream of a lush garden and the practical reality of sourcing and care. We read the research, talk to growers, and organize what we learn into plain-language guides that help you make smart choices, whether you're buying a $9 seed pack or a $400 collector anthurium.

How we evaluate

  • We prioritize proven hardiness: plants that survive the trip and thrive in non-tropical climates.
  • We compare price-to-value across the full market range, from budget to collector.
  • We weigh grower reputation, shipping practices, and customer feedback from multiple forums.
  • We look for clear, grower-provided care instructions that match real home conditions.
  • We assess long-term plant health potential based on root stock, acclimation, and sourcing history.

Affiliate disclosure

Some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This never affects our recommendations — we only link to products and nurseries we genuinely believe in after our own research.

How to reach Diane

Real feedback, corrections, or shop-floor stories that contradict something on this site: use the contact page. A real person reads what comes through.