ctnchpr, One of the Davids',was David Hedley,the Director at the time of filming,and a good friend.About two years ago,he took a position in another State.He did much to get the BBG reorganized and in good shape.The new staff over the past two years have advanced what Dave started,and are in the process of a 10 year rebuilding plan that includes many building updates and rehabs,to include an all new planting scheme.The first project is to be the new epiphyte house,and is about 95% ready for its new planting display.We recently had a posting of all the new bromeliads ordered from Michaels for this project.(see Dec.17th & Dec.20th posts).So I'll have some new pics as this takes on form in the near future. And 'Bob' was kept at arms length when they were filming,which was probably a good idea. ;^) Ironically,I never did get to see that program when it was aired on our pbs station here. ;( Bob

I actually saw him this past summer when visiting family in Buffalo. I can confirm, Bob is doing well! He mentioned that some of his plants took a hit last winter but he still checked out the forum occasionally. Buffalo had a chance of snow yesterday, so think of him when you're still walking outside in shorts!

Three Answers: Lisa. your lindenii,bismarkii,and Vista are Excellent suggestions,and we'll try to obtain them.I've had all 3 at home at one time,but could not get them to survive for more than a year or so.Wrong conditions,but would do great at the BG.Not in Michaels catalog,but I think Tropiflora has them.The wall is a wood frame for covering the heating pipes,and covered with coconut fiber sheeting,and the pockets are the same,but are manufactured sturdy formed units that can be bought and hung.Thanks for the new idea...I like! Mike,yes,the change of staff together with new financing arrangements with the County,and private interests,has produced a 10 year plan to rehab the Gardens. I will explain more about it in the future,as each house is redone.Its quite a theme,and a long explanation.The gardener staff I assist as a volunteer has taken a liking to bromeliads,and so have the visitors.This year,Don and Terri have placed some orders at Tropiflora,and with Jim Irvin,so there has been an increase of about 100 or so broms.The gift shop has had increased sales from the offsets that Terri grows and roots,from bloomed plants.And they just 'fit in' with all the other greenery,so its a natural and compimentary happening. Its a great group of people working together there,and the results are showing,and public attendance is constantly growing as word gets around. Bihai, ok,..so some of the pics were taken at your greenhouse ;-)) From what you showed us so far,it would be hard to tell the difference.Any new photos coming from you soon? Hope so. If there is an interest out there,I'd take some pics of some of the other plant areas.But there would have to be at least one bromeliad in them to post on this forum site. Bob

Thanks Lisa, love all of those caudiciforms. Actually, half of my collection are such fat-plants :) That climbing caudex in Fabaceae should be Tylosema fassoglensis from Africa. I have one, import from EXOTICA nursery in German. I think the caudiciforms or other succulent plants can go along well with xeric broms. Here, I can grow them side by side, even using the same substrates.