Bromeliad Extravaganza Weekend 2 - 3 November 2019
What: The Bromeliad Extravaganza Weekend 2 – 3 November
Who: The Bromeliad Society of South Australia
When: Saturday 2nd November 9am – 3pm and Sunday 3rd November 10am – 3pm
Where: Maltese Cultural Centre, 6 Jeanes St, Beverley SA 5009
The Bromeliad Society of South Australia is hosting their annual Bromeliad Extravaganza weekend on the 2 - 3 November 2019.
A huge range of plants will be on display and available for sale with the society on hand to answer grower’s questions on how to get the best from your plants. All are welcome with free admission and raffle tickets are available for purchase for a chance to win some lovely plants and start to cultivate your own passion for bromeliads.
The SAcommunity team spoke to Bev Masters, secretary and Adam Bodzioch, president of The Bromeliad Society of South Australia to find out more about this organisation.
How did the group begin?
"The group itself started in 1977 with their 40th anniversary held last year and we still have two foundation members in the group that was originally formed for cacti and succulents before branching out into the world of Bromeliads" stated Bev Masters.
How did you become involved in the organisation?
Adam Bodzioch was one member whose interest grew in this way from an initial appreciation of cacti. "About 35 years ago I went to the Royal Adelaide Show to see the cacti exhibition and right next to the display were some magnificant plants under the banner of bromeliads," he said. "I was totally in awe of these colourful and unique plants that have now become a lifetime passion."
Bev Masters became involved in the organisation around 14 to 15 years ago. "We were out for a drive along Port Road and saw the Bromeliad Societies ‘plant sale’ sign and decided we would take a look, discovered these stunning plants and we never left." She said.
What is it about Bromeliads?
"Bromeliads easily capture one’s interest" explains Bev. "It’s the diversity, they range in colour and size, from tiny specimens that look like cacti up to large-scale landscape plants."
Adam agrees, "the range of available plants has has increased dramatically as a result of new finds in South and Central America, and the efforts of earnest hybridists trying to create the most beautiful bromeliad".
These brilliant plants keep their colours all year round with their rich foliage and leaves, their prized flower displays are welcome extras, when you think of bromeliads there’s something that appeals to everyone.
Why is it that people ‘connect’ with the Bromeliad Society?
"Most people who come to our monthly meetings have an interest in gardening, but we’re a friendly group and I think it’s the social aspect that people enjoy," Bev notes.
We provide a place to meet others, share afternoon tea whilst we exchange ideas and information, see beautiful bromeliad displays, receive tips about growing and cultivating and refer to our library. We have door prizes along with our ever popular sale table, making it possible for the group to collect new specimens for the garden from each other.
What would your organisation like help with?
"Like many people in gardening societies, we would like to encourage more younger people to become involved and share our interest. Many of us are in our more senior years and would like to see the next generation be captured by these wonderful plants and continue the society," explained Bev.
Interested in the Bromeliad Society?
"The Bromeliad Society of South Australia has always welcomed members of the community to participate in monthly meetings as well as our two major Shows," said Adam. "We aim to make people feel welcome as well as providing educational tips about the best way to grow bromeliads in South Australia."
Introduce yourself to The Bromeliad Society on their extravaganza weekend or by contacting the group >>here to find out more.
