Tucked away in a Bellevue cul-de-sac is a striking collection of hundreds of bromeliads.

“I grow all of them,” Margaret Calkin said. A member of the Bay of Plenty Bromeliad club, she has what she calls a “small collection” of all the usual bromeliads and is thankful that husband Peter enjoys them too.

“They’re getting out of hand. We’ve been married 50 years so there must be something there.”

Growing up in the middle of the North Island, she found the species didn’t do too well in that area.

“We were 15km from the National Park. You have to live in a tropical place like Tauranga to grow them.”

Calkin is planning to join other members of the club at their annual spectacular summer display and sale on Saturday, February 15. The club president, Lynley Breeze, said it’s a great opportunity for the public to access lots of knowledge from people in the know – club members who can provide accurate information on placing plants and the best growing tips for bromeliads.

“This is the time of year bromeliads look their best,” Breeze said. “Entry is free, and there is plenty of parking, along with raffles, spot prizes, good prices for plants grown by our members, and lots of rare and unusual plants available.”

An ‘in trend’ plant, bromeliads thrive in the warm Bay of Plenty and complement tropical-style gardens, showing off their often patterned and highly coloured foliage, creating year-round interest. Some flower for up to 10 months, and it’s possible to quickly grow a collection because they can usually be propagated from the growth of young plants off the original plant.

“I just like all things tropical,” Calkin said. “Bromeliads are part of that environment, and they complete the garden.

“You’ve got your palms and amongst them ground cover in a lot of cases, and bromeliads are a good match. They are easy to grow, and they’re always giving out colour in the garden.”

Her philosophy on growing the low maintenance bromeliad is simple.

“If you don’t have flowers, you’ve got bromeliads. They brighten up a dark spot and they come in all sorts of colours.”

The Bay of Plenty Bromeliad club summer display and sale is at Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club, Sulphur Point, from 8am-12 noon on Saturday, February 15. Cash sales only.Yacht & Power Boat Club.

Peter Calkin enjoying hundreds of bromeliads growing in his garden. Photo/ David Hall.

Club president Lynley Breeze says it’s a great opportunity for the public to access lots of knowledge from people in the know – club members who can provide accurate information on placing plants and the best growing tips for bromeliads.

“This is the time of year bromeliads look their best,” Breeze said. “Entry is free, and there is plenty of parking, along with raffles, spot prizes, good prices for plants grown by our members, and lots of rare and unusual plants available.”

An ‘in trend’ plant, bromeliads thrive in the warm Bay of Plenty and complement tropical-style gardens, showing off their often patterned and highly coloured foliage, creating year-round interest. Some flower for up to 10 months, and it’s possible to quickly grow a collection because they can usually be propagated from the growth of young plants off the original plant.

“I just like all things tropical,” Margaret said. “Bromeliads are part of that environment, and they complete the garden.

“You’ve got your palms and amongst them ground cover in a lot of cases, and bromeliads are a good match. They are easy to grow, and they’re always giving out colour in the garden.”

Her philosophy on growing the low maintenance bromeliad is simple.

“If you don’t have flowers, you’ve got bromeliads. They brighten up a dark spot and they come in all sorts of colours.”

The Bay of Plenty Bromeliad club summer display and sale is being held at Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club, Sulphur Point, from 8am – 12 noon on Saturday February 15. Cash sales only.