Recently I travelled to San Francisco for the annual Garden Bloggers Fling. We visited about 15 different public and private gardens. There were many opportunities for inspiration.
At the Nichols garden in Oakland, I was taken by their use of tillandsias and bromeliads in the Canary Date palm in their front yard.
I have about 15 palm trees at my new house. I think they were planted at least 15 years ago. Mostly they are 30 ft tall fan and queen palms with relatively smooth trunks. They don’t lend themselves to this kind of planting. However, I do have a few where I think this should work well.
Here’s my test case, with two tillandsias that I bought at Ikea of all places (obviously an impulse buy 
). Locally, I think Another Place in Time should have a good selection. This tree already has some weeds growing in it, so it will be nice to have something attractive there as well. And one of these days I might get around to pulling the weeds out.
If this works, I think I’ll start adding some more tillandsias and maybe try a few bromeliads as well.
Cool idea! I loved that tree, actually that whole garden, at the Fling. I got lots of great ideas and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that you're trying that out. I loved that garden.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things about the Fling was the chance to see great ideas we could translate into our own gardens. This is one of them and I loved seeing it!
ReplyDeleteIt was just absolutely wonderful to meet you! Can't wait to hear more about your new garden. Love your perspective on this garden. I've tried a few tillandsias and bromeliads, but nothing like that!
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite gardens on the tour and it's wonderful to see that you're adapting this idea to your own gorgeous garden!
ReplyDeleteIt was my favorite garden, too. Love your idea to try the tillandsias in your garden - can't wait to hear if it works for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to hav palms like that!
ReplyDeleteYou could also try planting Aechmeas at the base of the palm as well, they will start to climb thier way up soon enough.