Those particular tillies don't get very big, which makes them ideal for this application.

Here's an individual one, and my tilly ball as it looks today. It just gets bigger and bigger, and blooms at least a couple of times a year. I'm thinking I may need to thin out the plants on it, and start a new one. Been wondering what to use for a 'ball' to fasten the plants to. Maybe a net ball of orchid medium or moss?

I've poked my finger into this one a couple of times, and only found out it is not a styrofoam ball in there.


Kate have you visited Tropiflora yet? Not only are there a zillion bromeliads of every shape and size, they have at least one whole shade house full of various tillies.

Is Tropiflora near Miami? I am still searching for nurseries to visit while I am there next week.

How about using a tight ball of Spanish moss? The Spanish moss will surely slowly die but it will remain intact, doesn't retain much moisture, and doesn't seem to rot. That might make a nice (natural) foundation for the other Tillies.

Tropiflora is in Sarasota.

Jim

Ken, I did a google search, and hit upon this... http://www.yellowpages.com/mia...

Looks like they're could be a lot to pick from...Almost overwhelming. Wish we had some up this way!

Yes, sadly Tropiflora would be a 4 hour drive each way for you to visit from Miami. But!! If the Dawgs are playing in the Orange Bowl again next year, book your flight into Orlando instead. That way you could stay a day or two after the game, and really get some fabulous orchid shopping in. Plus other plants, too of course. It's just over an hour to Miami for the game, which when you consider Miami traffic isn't much longer on the road than flying into Miami airport.

However, if you were feeling ambitious, about a 2hr. drive up the Florida Turnpike would get you to Apopka. You'd need to rent a truck to get your loot home, though. Happy days!

And here's a link to orchid growers in Homestead, just a little bit south of Miami. It's where RF Orchids is.
http://www.yellowpages.com/hom...

I did see all those south of Miami. Time will become the enemy here. I definitely want to see the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens and/or the Fairchild Botanical Garden (that one is so huge!). We would head out for nursery shopping after that.

You know, Elaine, it took us over 70 years to get back to the Orange Bowl. What's the chances of my seeing another game there in my lifetime? Slim and none, and slim just walked out of the room. AFTER booking air/hotel in Miami, I thumped myself on the head and told my wife: "Why in the world didn't we book into Orlando and make the few hours drive to the Orange Bowl instead of staying in Miami" We probably would have cut our costs by half. I just wasn't thinking clearly is all I can say.

Well, it's understandable, football fever can affect you that way, right?

Even if the Dawgs play the Gator Bowl again next year, you could still fly into Orlando and we'd plan to meet you in Apopka the day after the game . . . Just stirring the pot for next year, here.

I will keep that offer in mind, Elaine.

Did somebody say Gator Bowl next year?!?!?!?! I'm definitely up for that trip to Apopka!

A lady on each arm!

Well, you might have to share the ladies with Jim . . . and only until the orchid buying frenzy takes over!

I am a Tropiflora groupie. I have purchased tons of stuff from them and I visit them at least 3 times a month.

They have 4-5 houses full of tillies, and a football field size house of bromeliads. They also have a secret house that isn't open to the public but if you spend a little time with the staff, you might be able to sweet talk them into it. Ask for Ray if you want to see/know about the cacti and succulents, and I think the walking bromeliad/orchid encyclopedia's name is Tony.

Ken, it's totally worth a visit if you can manage it. Gotta spend a lot of time there, it's not a showy nursery, things can be pretty mixed up and treasures hidden.

We are headed down to Fl. this April. will probably most of the northern part of the state since we hit Fl around the Jacksonville area and then cut across to New Port Richey (just above Tampa) to visit Ric's Dad then head across to Daytona Beach for a 2 week stay. I am sure I can find a really good interesting nursery somewhere close to my traveling. I will be looking up some of these places when I do my trip planning.. Also looking for nurseries, gardens and such in the Daytona Beach area, doesn't have to be real close.

As a young child, I was taught to share. Jim would be more than welcome. Maybe he'll rename some orchids for me while we are together!

Holly, New Port Richey is less than 10 minutes from my house. Let me know when you will be here and I will give you a tour of the OC and take you to two great local growers.

Jim

Thanks Jim, will do.

@HollyAnnS On your way to Daytona, you could stop off in DeLand and visit EFG orchids.

Oh David is in DeLand, I ordered something from him maybe we could stop by and just pick it up. Thanks any other suggestions are welcome.

Yes, David is in DeLand, and not far from us. One of these days I'm going to visit him, just haven't gotten around to it yet.