July 24, 2014
Bromeliads, No-Lawn Design, Plant Secrets
Ever noticed how some plants turn their flower heads to the sun?
![sunflower bee phototropism heliotropism sunflower bee phototropism heliotropism](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/sunflower-bee.jpg)
Daphne explains this phenomenon: heliotropism or phototropism. “Basically, certain cells in the plant, like in sunflowers, at the base of the flower, respond to the blue wavelength of sunlight by changing the water pressure in those basal cells, allowing the cells to stretch and turn,” she says.
This maximizes photosynthesis. Conversely, when plants want LESS sun, they turn away (like we do!) to avoid the harshest rays.
![sunflower phototropism heliotropism sunflower phototropism heliotropism](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/sunflowers-trio-3.jpg)
Another “plant trick” is how firecracker fern (Russelia equisetiformis) transforms as it matures. Our Plant of the Week, Daphne tells us that when young, these drought-tough perennials have small, almost round leaves tucked in tightly along thin green stems.
![young firecracker fern photo by Daphne Richards young firecracker fern photo by Daphne Richards](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/firecracker-fern-daphne-web-title.jpg)
In maturity, most of these leaves drop off. The stems aren’t strong enough to support their length, creating their signature cascading effect. In sun or shade, hummingbirds will be all over those flowers!
![firecracker fern central texas gardener firecracker fern central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/firecracker-fern-russelia-web.jpg)
Plants for wildlife return our small investment with vast rewards. Viewer Picture goes to James Hearn and Sheryl Smith-Rodgers in Blanco, who went to bat for the wildlife by purchasing the lot next door for wildflowers.
![Blanco wildflower meadow Texas Wildscape Blanco wildflower meadow Texas Wildscape](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/meadow-sunburst-web-title-2.jpg)
Now a certified Texas Wildscape and demonstration garden, they’ve dubbed it The Meadow. Check out Sheryl’s fabulous blog, Windows on a Texas Wildscape, to join their year-round discoveries.
![Texas Wildscapes Blanco wildflower meadow Texas Wildscapes Blanco wildflower meadow](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/The-Meadow-sign-web-title.jpg)
What about some fun indoors? Many tropical bromeliads make delightful, easy care house plants, even in offices with bright light.
![tropical bromeliad house plant tropical bromeliad house plant](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/brome-1-web.jpg)
On the patio, their central tank of water attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and ladybugs. Oh, mosquitoes, too, but easy to deal with.
Divide them for house warming gifts or for friends and colleagues who’d just love a free plant! See how to do it with Merrideth Jiles’ step-by-step tips.
![divide bromeliads Central Texas Gardener divide bromeliads Central Texas Gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/merrideth-divide-web.jpg)
Here’s his potting soil recipe. 1 part each: coir, expanded shale, perlite, compost
![bromeliad potting soil recipe central texas gardener bromeliad potting soil recipe central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/merri-soil-web.jpg)
Cold-hardy bromeliads in warmer microclimates pep up garden textures. My matchstick bromeliad (Aechmea gamosepala) adds that rich leafy perspective to my part-shade spot all year, even after a 12° hit. In January, I got bonus blooms!
![Matchstick bromeliad Aechmea gamosepala flower Matchstick bromeliad Aechmea gamosepala flower](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Matchstick-bromeliad-Aechmea-gamosepala-web.jpg)
Dyckia, another bromeliad, adds punch to the well-drained garden with colorful spiny texture.
![dyckias central texas gardener dyckias central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/dyckias-barth-web.jpg)
When they bloom, like this deep burgundy in a succulent arrangement, hummingbirds will head on over.
![dyckia bloom central texas gardener dyckia bloom central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/dyckia-bloom-wide-web.jpg)
My Billbergia hasn’t flowered yet, but I adore its intense coloration. It wasn’t thrilled about 12°, but returned like a champ.
![red billbergia central texas gardener red billbergia central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/red-billbergia-web.jpg)
How can we design with cold-hardy bromeliads? Horticulturist, designer, and author Scott Ogden joins Tom to explain how he and wife Lauren Springer Ogden catch the light with bromeliads that prompt attention even in our miserably hot months.
![Scott Ogden Central Texas Gardener Scott Ogden Central Texas Gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Scott-Ogden-Central-Texas-Gardener.jpg)
He reminds us that ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) is a bromeliad epiphyte to respect for its beauty and moisture contribution for thirsty wildlife (and it doesn’t hurt trees at all). Giant ball moss (Tillandsia baileyi) is a South Texas native that proves that everything is bigger in Texas!
![giant ball moss Tillandsia baileyi central texas gardener giant ball moss Tillandsia baileyi central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/giant-ball-moss-web.jpg)
See how Scott combines Aechmea, Puya, Dyckia and Brazilian bromeliads with diverse evergreens and seasonal rain lily blooms for a natural, connected and pleasing design. And indeed, how they attract wildlife to those water tanks and succulent leaves!
On tour, Ann & Robin Matthews banished grass for succulent texture, wildlife plants, and organic food.
![no lawn hellstrip curb central texas gardener no lawn hellstrip curb central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/matthews-curb.jpg)
![no lawn front yard central texas gardener no lawn front yard central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/matthews-garden-front-side.jpg)
Along with rainwater collection front and back, they designed a dry stream bed to direct rainfall runoff.
![no lawn front garden with dry creek bed central texas gardener no lawn front garden with dry creek bed central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/matthews-front-dry-creek.jpg)
Their neighbor joined in to unite their no-lawn gardens, much to the delight of their enchanted neighbors.
![no lawn front yard central texas gardener no lawn front yard central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/matthews-neighbor.jpg)
In back, they dug up more grass for food. Artists always, they gave it destination credence.
![Blue arbor entrance to vegetable garden central texas gardener Blue arbor entrance to vegetable garden central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/matthews-blue-arbor.jpg)
![bottle tree vegetable garden centerpiece bottle tree vegetable garden centerpiece](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/matthews-vegetable-wide.jpg)
Along with screening plants, Ann & Robin built a screen with hardy plank and decorated it with the historic rock art designs they’ve discovered across Texas.
![Hardy plank artistic garden screen central texas gardener Hardy plank artistic garden screen central texas gardener](http://www.centraltexasgardener.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/matthews-screen.jpg)
See their story now!
Thanks for stopping by! Linda
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