The Bromeliad Society of Australia will meet on Saturday, 14 February at the Federation Pavilion, Castle Hill Showground, bringing together growers, collectors, and curious newcomers with a shared interest in bromeliad plants, one of the garden’s most resilient — and misunderstood — plants. Doors open to the public from 10 am, with the formal meeting beginning at 11.30 am.
The focus of the day is sun-tolerant bromeliads, a topic gaining urgency as gardeners across Australia contend with harsher summers, sudden cold snaps and prolonged heat stress. The discussion will explore how much sun different bromeliad varieties can safely handle, the signs of sunburn and stress, and practical ways to protect plants during extreme weather events.
Rather than offering theory alone, the session will lean heavily on real-world experience. Members will share techniques for rescuing damaged plants, from careful trimming to gradual rehabilitation — proof that even badly affected bromeliads can often be coaxed back to health with patience and the right care. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a sun-damaged plant for advice and assessment.
Alongside the main discussion, the meeting will feature the society’s regular activities, including plant competitions, a raffle, and Show and Tell. A newer, more relaxed segment, simply called “Show,” allows members to share plants without formal judging, reflecting the group’s emphasis on learning and community rather than competition.
Beyond the plants themselves, the gathering offers something less tangible but equally valued: the chance to connect with like-minded enthusiasts in a welcoming environment, where knowledge is shared freely, and experience is built over time.
Further details about the meeting and the society’s activities can be found at the Bromeliad Society of Australia website.
