Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Bromeliad inspiration, realized

I saved this project for last (my last big project of the spring, which didn't actually happen until mid-July), because I wanted to use up all the things (moss, tillandsia, bromeliads) that hadn't already found a home. This was my inspiration image, which I saved from this post by Linda Brazill of Each Little World, it was taken at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.

I have always wanted to do a dense hanging planting like this, but had been frustrated because whatever I did would have to come down and go indoors for the winter. That image captured my imagination because everything was on a moveable panel (or two, or three). Why hadn't I thought of that before!?

I happened to have three pieces of rusted expanded metal and a roll of screen-door screen on hand. 

I made three of these panels—each one different—but using the same formula. You can see the rusty metal, over that I laid a long piece of screen (smaller holes, to help contain the material around the roots of the plant), and on that I laid moist sphagnum moss, and then plants with their roots and a little soil. I tied everything in place with twine. Over time the twine will probably rot, but it was super easy to work with for this first layer.

I neglected to take more photos, but over the layer you see above I laid more sphagnum moss and then some green forest moss I had collected on my travels. Everything was then wired in place, given a good soak, and then hung on the fence.

Part way into this project I realized I needed a couple more plants, and that's when the blooming bromeliads (purchased unlabeled) were added to the mix.

I love the way the red blooms pick up the sun. Oh and in case you're wondering why our fence has a curve to it? Well that would be a camera malfunction! I'm getting a flashing error code and something is wrong with the lens. Fun times!

But let's not concentrate on that... there are bromeliad panels to appreciate!







Yes, I had a lot of fun putting these together. The circular mounted bromeliad containers I experimented with back in 2019 were great for awhile, but they had run their course. This last one was retired as I hung these new creations up. 

Vertical gardening is going strong here this summer! 

All material © 2009-2022 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

21 comments:

  1. This. Is. So. Cool. Please please please write about your various projects. I'd totally replicate this if I had the right materials. Need to look for metal panels like that...

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    1. Over on FB Doug Hobson commented with a link to this video, I thought you might find it helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZkDjZcO-fw

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  2. Stunning, Loree. You always come up with something fresh and different!

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  3. Try searching facebook marketplace.

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  4. Chic! After I move, I may try something like that.

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  5. Well done! Fences so deserve some plant adornment--space that doesn't go to waste.

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  6. Your vertical garden can compete with every one I've ever seen. I'm glad you pinpointed your source of inspiration. Now I can copy your approach in my lath house if/when I get around to dividing my Neoregelia.

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    1. Watch that video I shared in response to Gerhard's comment!

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  7. They look fantastic, Loree. I have a feeling some of my potted bromeliads might get a similar treatment in the spring after seeing how good yours look displayed like this. Thanks for this post!

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    1. You're welcome, oh and check out this video on Gardening Australia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZkDjZcO-fw

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    2. Thanks Loree, I hadn't seen that episode - now my brain is bubbling over with all the possibilities!

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  8. Very clever and the vertical bromeliad fence looks awesome. Isn't this your new camera? Kind of early to malfunction. Hopefully it's something easy to fix.

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    1. Yes it is. I am very frustrated! About the camera, not the bromeliads ;)

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  9. Very nice Loree! I really like this.

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  10. You are the only person I know who would look at that photo and figure out how to replicate it in a way that works with the rest of your garden.

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  11. Holy cow! Mind expanded. That's wonderful.

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