Hello all,

Have been following GW and the bromeliad forum for several years (I've been living vicariously through the experts' pictures!) and now want to try some of my own. I've had a couple over the years (neos I got in a trade) that got frost bit and died before I really knew what I was doing with overwintering here in zone 8b.

Anyhow, I'm looking for some easy, inexpensive, starter suggestions to put out around the pool with some plumeria and hibiscus. I'd like to fill in down low a little bit, so terrestrial genuses (or would that be "geni") would be in order. The problem is the area is in full, all-day sun, although there might be some shading from the hibs. Also, they'd be sitting on the red lava rock that the previous owners saw fit to border the pool area with. I've done some research at the American and International brom pages, but wonder what some of y'all have to say.

I am getting a pretty good feel for growing other (semi-)tropicals like gingers, hibiscus, bananas, palms, etc and also now put up a makeshift but functional warmhouse in the winter. Hopefully a foray into the broms won't be too much of a stretch.

I hesitate to go to the big box stores because they tend to sell for the flower. Therefore, I plan on mail-ordering or trading (donations are always welcome, too! LOL!) and could pick up specific plants that are suggested.

So, thanks in advance for any advice anyone cares to give.

Dave