Bromelia Contactgroep (BCG)
P/a Botanische Tuinen
Budapestlaan 17
3584 CD Utrecht

ABN-AMRO IBAN: NL66 ABNA0421855185 tel.030-253 9281

Newsletter 98 - March 2019

Visit to Handelskwekerij Ibes in Huissen on Saturday morning, 16 March, 2019.

The stormy wind and rain luckily did not prevent 23 participants (BCG members and their guests) from entering the Ibes family's greenhouse complex at 10.30 a.m. Everyone could enjoy coffee or tea there with delicious cake, indeed a cozy and hospitable welcome!

Fig. 1 A cosy cup of coffee and some catching up, photo Jasper van den Driesche

After being welcomed by Mrs. Ibes and her son, Eric, we were free, so long as we observed the instructions we had been given, to admire the cultivation tables. The collection was some time ago moved to what had been a work and packaging hall. The greenhouses, where the Tillandsias were grown in the past, had had to be demolished because of a municipal restructuring plan. The more restricted number of square metres in the hall necessitated construction of a second level using gratings so that the tables on the bottom level would still get enough light. It was an unusual experience to walk on the swaying, wobbly, but of course quite safe, floor grilles that were reached, after all, by a sturdy staircase. It was exciting and very enjoyable to admire the wide range of Tillandsia species, the quality of the plants, the colour variations. Mrs. Ibes, with her deep knowledge of Tillandsias, was always ready with information and advice and to help us look for (and find!) the species we desired.

Fig. 2 Tillandsias on the upper level with a swaying floor of metal gratings, photo Jasper van den Driesche

Inevitably we were all soon hit by "the craving" and many cardboard trays and boxes were filled with coveted varieties.

At the end of the morning the plants were reckoned up and Mrs. Ibes paid, then many of the group stayed on at the coffee table and chatted about the enjoyable experiences with this form of multilevel Tillandsia growing.

Fig. 3 Tillandsias on the lower level, photo

On behalf of the Board,

Roel Tomassen, secretary,text
Eric Gouda, chairman, layout.