I’m just back from the Spring Show of the Bromeliad Society of NSW (www.bromsocnsw.org.au) and as expected I’ve been bitten by the bromeliad bug again. Whilst enviously eyeing off the prizewinning Tillandsia tectorum and T. duratii I had to contend myself with purchasing less exotic tillandsia types as the others had already all sold. I never seem to learn when it comes to these flower society shows. You need to be there on the first day jostling for pole position before it opens if you want to buy any of the unusual varieties. Honestly its more competitive than the post-Christmas sales.
I’ve had numerous bromeliads (broms for short) over the years but had to give them all away when we moved to Canada in 2007. Now that we’re back in Sydney, and after seeing today’s show, my broms passion is back. I bought six different tillandsia as I have never tried them before and also a couple of earth stars (Cryptanthus).
There’s such a huge variety when it comes to broms that there’s something for everyone to love. The diversity on display at today’s show was simply extraordinary. Best of all many of them require very little care yet deliver stunning foliage and flowers year after year.
Garden shows are great places for getting excellent growing advice. You’ll often get to talk directly to the grower and learn all of the tricks specific to that plant. None of the incredibly vague (and unreliable) label descriptions you get on a store bought plant. On top of this plants are usually cheaper, higher quality and available in a wider range than you’ll ever see in your local nursery -just remember to arrive early if you’re after something rare.
PS Don’t forget to check out The Plant Addict Shop while you’re here.
You’ll find great gift ideas for garden lovers and fellow plant addicts!