There’s an extravaganza set for this coming weekend aimed at celebrating bromeliads — plants that can be grown indoors or out, and often feature long-lasting flower displays, colorful foliage, or both.
People who are seriously into bromeliads may want to register to attend the conference, but others may want to simply check out two bromeliad plant sales that are being held as part of the event.
The Tampa Bromeliad Extravaganza is being presented in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies. The conference is at the Clarion Hotel, 2710 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.
There are 11 bromeliad clubs around the state that make up the Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies, said Tom Wolfe, of Lutz, general chairman of the Tampa Extravaganza.
The clubs take turns hosting the statewide gathering every other year, he said.
This year, as of last week, the conference had 160 registered to attend.
The event features a chance to hear from bromeliad experts and to hang out with other bromeliad enthusiasts. There’s a chance to purchase some plants for your garden, too.
The plant sales also are open to the general public, Wolfe said.
“On Saturday morning (Aug. 5), the entire ballroom will be filled with bromeliads for sale. Most of the bromeliad vendors in the state will be there,” he said. That sale will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
That evening, around 7:30 p.m., a rare plant auction will be held, giving collectors a chance to purchase some interesting plants. Proceeds from that sale will be used to support research to battle a weevil (Metamasius callizona) that’s been attacking 12 of Florida’s native bromeliads.
So far, more than $97,000 has been raised and donated, and organizers hope this rare plant auction will raise at $3,000 to put it over the $100,000 mark.
The local and state bromeliad organizations are working closely with Teresa M. Cooper, Ph.D., with the “Save Florida’s Bromeliads Conservation Project,” SaveBromeliads.com.
For more information about the conference, call (813) 391-1542, or go online to FCBS.org and click on the link to 2017 FCBS Extravaganza Information.
If you go
Bromeliad Extravaganza
Where: Clarion Hotel, 2710 E. Fowler Ave.
When: Aug. 4 through Aug. 6
Cost: Registration is $100, which includes two meals
Details: Event celebrates the Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies’ 40th anniversary.
Information: Call (813) 391-1542, or go online to FCBS.org and click on the 2017 FCBS Extravaganza Information.
Bromeliad sale events
Bromeliad lovers will have plenty of plants to choose from at these two sales events.
Where: Clarion Hotel, 2710 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa
When: Aug. 5. The first sales event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the second event is a rare plant auction, also on Aug. 5, beginning around 7:30 p.m.
Details: These bromeliad sales are in conjunction with the Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies ‘Extravaganza.’ Proceeds from the rare plant auction will be used to support research aimed at stopping a weevil that is destroying native Florida bromeliads.
Published August 2, 2017
