No photo today. Instead, I pose a question to gardeners. As you can see from a previous post this week, I have a fence strip where I have planted bromeliads with mixed success. I realize now that some areas of the fence strip get sun for a good portion of the day and it is that beating down hard sun in that area. Other plants in this same strip are in deep shade. The rest of the strip is all combinations available between too much light and too dark depending on the plant overhang and shadows crated by neighbors plants. Plus, anytime someone trims it can impact the light value of this area dramatically.
My question is this: Can anyone suggest a plant that is similar to bromeliads in shape and form (can even be taller) that withstands a myriad of light situations? I am looking for something to plant within the bromeliads that will A)fill in the blank spots, and b) possibly provide some cover for bromeliads. It's a narrow strip so the plants can't get any wider than say a foot and half at complete maturing. Height is not a big deal although some plants I have tried there (such as a shrimp plant) tend to hang over and get wide as they get tall. This strip is between a fence and a walkway that is used so I can't have anything impedeing traffic. When I say similar to the form of a brom, I guess I mean that "fountain" appearance.
The other side of the strip has been a delight to plant. It's mostly shade with late afternoon sun and I grow zanadu, bromeliads, peace lily, and anthrium (although they can die back if it gets too cold). I also have pots of orchids suspended in that area. It would be nice if there was some continuity to the two sides but I have never achieved this because of the difference in the growing environment. I hoped the broms would do that for me.
So, fellow garden bloggers, I have handed you a task. Are you up to it? Can you help me? More importantly, can you help my bromeliads? LOL Oh, and I did buy broms that are supposed to take sun but I guess they were not counting on the Florida sun!
6 comments:
Oh Lord...let me think on this a while. I will aslo pose the question to my Mom, a big gardener! I'll get back to you!
How about a Bird of Paradise...it will grow up and sort of overhang the broms. It doesn't really look like a bromeliad, but we actually found this scenario right here in our neighborhood today...but I didn't have my camera. I will get a pic tomorrow for ya! I think you will like it. Will you be moving your bromeliads that are getting too much sun until then???
I probably really can't help you much. Bromeliads are not my thing and I think your garden sounds tropical so I'll give a bit of a try. Maybe yuccas? Or even prickly pear? These are drought tolerant and take sun or shade. How about pinecone ginger? My friend Lola in your neck of the woods sent me some and it is awesome! I'll be posting on it soon. Good luck!
I am sorry I got home late from work and it was already dark! I hate these early nights in the fall/winter months! I will take a pic in the moring on my WAY TO work! I was thinking other than Bird of Paradise, you could use ginger plants and just cut out any that hang too far over the patio floor. They would be taller, and kinda shade the bromeliads though, right??
OK now Vickie...this is rediculous! I missed an opportunity again today...tomorrow have to be at courthouse for jury duty at 8am...if I can swing it I will still get that pic for ya in the AM, and post in the PM. It WILL happen...sooner rather than later, I pray!!! LOL. Hope all is well with you! Happy October!
OK Vickie...I posteed the pic onj my blog and asked fellow bloggers for their advise as well. Keep in mind that the sun broms seen in the photo are about 1.5 ft. high!
Post a Comment