Elizabeth, If you can post a picture of your new bromeliad, it would help to be able to tell if it is at all likely to survive outdoors in winter in your area. In general, inland northern California is not ideal growing conditions for most of the commonly grown bromeliads; it is abit too cold and wet in winter, and too hot and dry in summer. If it was already being grown in your area outdoors, it might be okay, but to be safe, it is probably best to grow it indoors in bright light over the winter, and summer it outside in bright shade or morning sun only. There is a local chapter of the Bromeliads Society that meets in Sacramento, and they would be your best source of local information on what you can grow outdoors there. I suspect that most Sacramento bromeliad growers do use greenhouses in winter for their plants. There are certainly some bromeliads that you can grow outdoors year round in your area, such as Puyas, Dyckias, Fascicularias, and some of the hardier Aechmeas, to name a few. Check out the monthly meeting of the Sacramento Bromeliads Society, they are a friendly bunch. Sorry I don't have contact info for them, or when and where they meet, but it is monthly.

If you check www.helpmefind.com, they are all listed. No photos just descriptions.

Anna I am not sure what you mean by your succulent being 'white' - I am thinking light color, with powdery coating. Some of that coating seems to be rubbed off from the leaves, that happens when handling/touching plants - not so easy to avoid :) That doesn't make plant sick, it is more cosmetic nd they are nicer with as little rubbed off as possible. Leaving dead leaves where they fall is OK but not so much in containers: such small area, leaves will start decomposing and attract certain bugs. It also doesn't looks so good, it would be better to pick them and dispose off. Old leaves will naturally dry up and fall off. They could do the same if plant is thirsty, and /or if it is overwatered. Plant in pic #1 seems to be in wet soil. I think both are in very peaty soil and it would be better to repot them into mix that drains well. 2nd plant is cactus, and many will require even less water. Both plants need lots of light. I don't know how cold it gets where you are, but they can be in lower temps (not freezing!) and be OK. I can't tell from the pics if containers/pots (I think that's what you mean by 'vase') have drainage holes. If not, it makes it worse for your plants, and either drill holes in them or repot into some with drainage holes.

cindy_7 I wouldn't count on me being right about any of this! Though in my defence it would appear that basil can taste a bit minty, according to what I read. That said, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if my minty is another person's turkey! Also the tag that came with the pot said mint and spearmint, after tasting one of them I didn't question what the tag said. : / Here's some pics of the dethroned (remove from pot) mint/basil, it doesn't look too healthy and these photos were taken after I removed a good number of dead leaves. The sage and thyme look great though, aside from some minor yellowing. I've had to pot them together, as I don't have enough space otherwise. And the mint/basil I have carefully laid aside, after moistening the roots and having a good look at it. I'll be honest, I doesn't look long with this world! I'll place it in a pot on it's own this evening (UK time) and hope for the best for it. floral_uk You're like a human almanac for the UK plant-life and all it's need-to-knows! How's your kid's tomato plant hanging in? The weather this end has been cloudy and very cool in the morning then very hot and dry for the remainder of the day. That must have an impact of the taste of them, I would think? Hope they're doing well. :) Oh, and yes to the Kale. I'll be growing it to cut and come again purposes only.