Kathy and Steve combined have more than seventy years of experience as aquaculture biologist.  Kathy still works part-time for the University of Hawaii, Sea Grant program.  Steve is officially retired but is busier than even.  We are a family farm in the truest sense.  There are no employees so if we don't do it, it doesn't get done - and at times it becomes overwhelming.  We have two young sons who we encourage to participate in the business.   We hide the fact that their help is often more trouble than its worth, but someday we will all look back and see that the experience and memories are priceless.

Our farming philosophy is to raise a diversity of products which are well-suited to the site and complement each other.  We strive to practice permaculture by utilizing waste products from one crop as a resource for another crop.

Crops at Rain Garden are not certified as being “organic”.  However, the approach is very organic.  Except for the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in dry formulated fish feeds and some inorganic fertilizers for nursery plants, we use almost no chemicals.  Certain chemicals are kept on hand, but are only used as a short-term means of keeping difficult-to-replace organisms alive long enough to develop more environmentally-sensitive management practices.

One of our primary crops is heliconia and ginger.  We both really like these flowers but, more importantly, they are the right crop for this site.  Our soil, temperature and moisture is perfect for them.  Kathy handles most of the flower production and marketing.  You can contact her about flower/foliage orders, flower arrangements, and/or complete planning of the flower and decorations for weddings and other special events.

After growing a variety of marine and freshwater aquarium fish, Steve has settled in as a full-time goldfish breeder.  We still keep and raise a few koi, but the bulk of the pond and tank space is devoted to goldfish.  We produce many goldfish varieties, including some which are difficult to impossible to find in the U.S.  Our prices are reasonable and our shipping costs are the lowest in the industry.  More importantly, our goldfish arrive at your door strong and healthy.  There are no middlemen, no prolonged stop-over at wholesalers or pet stores, and very conservative fish packing.  This minimized stress for all of us; the goldfish, myself, and you the customer.

We spend as much time as is needed to maintain an aesthetically pleasing landscape.  It's a jungle, but a managed jungle.

You can find a description of the site and a brief history of agriculture in the area here.

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