Jump to content

  • WELCOME GUEST

    It looks as if you are viewing PalmTalk as an unregistered Guest.

    Please consider registering so as to take better advantage of our vast knowledge base and friendly community.  By registering you will gain access to many features - among them are our powerful Search feature, the ability to Private Message other Users, and be able to post and/or answer questions from all over the world. It is completely free, no “catches,” and you will have complete control over how you wish to use this site.

    PalmTalk is sponsored by the International Palm Society. - an organization dedicated to learning everything about and enjoying palm trees (and their companion plants) while conserving endangered palm species and habitat worldwide. Please take the time to know us all better and register.

    guest Renda04.jpg

A Visit to Rainforest Flora

Kim
 Share

Recommended Posts

Kim Grand Master

Kim

Posted
Posted

2007_04_10RainforestFlora075.jpg

Owner, grower, and enthusiast Paul Isley welcomes our group to Rainforest Flora.

2007_04_10RainforestFlora040.jpg

The display gardens immediately grab our attention.

2007_04_10RainforestFlora074.jpg

2007_04_10RainforestFlora043.jpg

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kim Grand Master

Kim

Posted
  • Author
Posted

2007_04_10RainforestFlora044.jpg

2007_04_10RainforestFlora046.jpg

2007_04_10RainforestFlora053.jpg

They grow some amazing stuff here:

2007_04_10RainforestFlora058.jpg

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kim Grand Master

Kim

Posted
  • Author
Posted

If I have the numbers right, this showroom in Torrance, California comprises 63,000 sq. ft., and they have two more greenhouses in Vista with 300,000 sq. ft. of horizontal growing space (stacked on 4 levels) but not open for retail.  The plants are slow growing, so my eyes popped seeing some of these large specimens.

2007_04_10RainforestFlora059.jpg

2007_04_10RainforestFlora060.jpg

This one is as large as a commercial pineapple (also a bromeliad):

2007_04_10RainforestFlora063.jpg

2007_04_10RainforestFlora067.jpg

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kim Grand Master

Kim

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Close-up curly:

2007_04_10RainforestFlora072.jpg

You've probably seen Rainforest Flora products at Home Depot or Lowe's.  Have you noticed the tillandsias and bromeliads mounted on hunks of smooth, twisted wood?  Here's the backstory on that:

Raw material arrives by the truckload; these are old tokay vines that have been ripped out of Napa-Sonoma vineyards to be replaced by Chardonnay or Pinot grapes, or whatever the next 'hot' wine is:

2007_04_10RainforestFlora080.jpg

They cut them up and throw the pieces into the cement mixer with rock and water:

2007_04_10RainforestFlora081.jpg

After several hours of tumbling the result is a pile of nice smooth, twisty wood for mounting your plants:

2007_04_10RainforestFlora079.jpg

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
kylecawazafla Veteran

kylecawazafla

Posted
Posted

Awesome photos. That's interesting how they get the mounting sticks. It's great to know it's recycled.

I'm always up for learning new things!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SubTropicRay Grand Master

SubTropicRay

Posted
Posted

Absolutely wonderful photos.  I even see a little Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) in there.

Tampa, Interbay Peninsula, Florida, USA

subtropical USDA Zone 10A

Bokeelia, Pine Island, Florida, USA

subtropical USDA Zone 10B

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jeff Searle Grand Master

Jeff Searle

Posted
Posted

Kim,

    Very, VERY nice. Thanks for sharing.

Jeff

Searle Brothers Nursery Inc.

and The Rainforest Collection.

Southwest Ranches,Fl.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
junglegalfla Veteran

junglegalfla

Posted
Posted

I could live there. Beautiful Kim, thanks!

I'd like to know what the bloom is in post 2, first pic. It looks huge

JG

Bren in South St. Pete Florida

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kim Grand Master

Kim

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi Bren, that's some kind of vriesea bloom; it's in the foreground of the pic making it appear huge.  Nothing was labeled in the display area, so no idea of exact plant.

Hey Zac, is there any place you haven't been with Danny?  You guys get around, and all the best places, I see. :)

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Zac in NC Veteran

Zac in NC

Posted
Posted

(Kim @ Apr. 26 2007,13:50)

QUOTE
Hi Bren, that's some kind of vriesea bloom; it's in the foreground of the pic making it appear huge.  Nothing was labeled in the display area, so no idea of exact plant.

Hey Zac, is there any place you haven't been with Danny?  You guys get around, and all the best places, I see. :)

Well, just Tamaulipas once, and this nursery and his nursery and Rancho Soledad, and Chinatown/the Mexican part of Downtown to eat, and the big Huntington with El Hoagie as well. Thats it.

Zac

Zac  

Living to get back to Mexico

International Palm Society member since 2007

http://community.webshots.com/user/zacspics - My Webshots Gallery

Link to comment
Share on other sites
paulgila Grand Master

paulgila

Posted
Posted

great pix,kim!its nice to see something a little different now & then!

the "prince of snarkness."

 

still "warning-free."

 

san diego,california,left coast.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jerry@TreeZoo Grand Master

Jerry@TreeZoo

Posted
Posted

The American Orchid Society in DelRay Beach FL has a similar type display greenhouse, but I think Rainforest Flora might have them beat.  Nice pictures Kim.

Jerry

So many species,

so little time.

Coconut Creek, Florida

Zone 10b (Zone 11 except for once evey 10 or 20 years)

Last Freeze: 2011,50 Miles North of Fairchilds

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Scott Mentor

Scott

Posted
Posted

Real cool Kim! Looks like a great place to visit sometime.

Scott

San Fernando Valley, California

Sunset Climate Zone 18

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dave-Vero Grand Master

Dave-Vero

Posted
Posted

Anyone notice the beautiful counter that Isley's standing at?  I've gotta visit.

The American Orchid Society's display greenhouse is very nice, but it doesn't attempt to create a lush indoor setting.  Their outdoor garden is very nicely designed and maintained.  The Florida native section is particularly attractive.

Fla. climate center: 100-119 days>85 F
USDA 1990 hardiness zone 9B
Current USDA hardiness zone 10a
4 km inland from Indian River; 27º N (equivalent to Brisbane)

Central Orlando's urban heat island may be warmer than us

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kim Grand Master

Kim

Posted
  • Author
Posted

You snooze, you lose!

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BS Man about Palms Grand Master

BS Man about Palms

Posted
Posted

Bee You Tee Fool!!!!!

Zone 10a at best after 2007 AND 2013, on SW facing hill, 1 1/2 miles from coast in Oceanside, CA. 30-98 degrees, and 45-80deg. about 95% of the time.

"The great workman of nature is time."   ,  "Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience."

-George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon-

I do some experiments and learning in my garden with palms so you don't have to experience the pain! Look at my old threads to find various observations and tips!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
gavilan1 Community Regular

gavilan1

Posted
Posted

I drive past Paul's place on Hawthorne Blvd.  every weekday, since I work a mile away.  Really nice automated greenhouses.  Huge, too.  You didn't show any of the palms out front, next to the sign.   He also had a nice traveler's palm out in front, but the mid-January freeze killed it.  I've been meaning to stop in there at lunch to see if he's gotten into any palms at all, but I avoid Mickie D's (next door) like the plague...

Doug Gavilanes

Garden Grove, CA.

Zone 10A (10B on really good days...)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kamipalms Proficient

Kamipalms

Posted
Posted

Great shots Kim,

I love these things but finding them here in West OZ not that easy.

The displays are awesome too!

Made the move to Mandurah - West Aust

Kamipalms,
Growing for the future


Link to comment
Share on other sites
Zac in NC Veteran

Zac in NC

Posted
Posted

(gavilan1 @ May 02 2007,01:47)

QUOTE
I drive past Paul's place on Hawthorne Blvd.  every weekday, since I work a mile away.  Really nice automated greenhouses.  Huge, too.  You didn't show any of the palms out front, next to the sign.   He also had a nice traveler's palm out in front, but the mid-January freeze killed it.  I've been meaning to stop in there at lunch to see if he's gotten into any palms at all, but I avoid Mickie D's (next door) like the plague...

I've eaten in that Mickie D's. LOL With Danny Lewis for breakfast.

Zac

Zac  

Living to get back to Mexico

International Palm Society member since 2007

http://community.webshots.com/user/zacspics - My Webshots Gallery

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Howeadypsis Mentor

Howeadypsis

Posted
Posted

Fantastic pics,that was a great tour!

Larry Shone in wet and sunny north-east England!  Zone9 ish

Tie two fish together and though they have two tails they cannot swim <>< ><>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
palmarazzi Contributor

palmarazzi

Posted
Posted

(junglegalfla @ Apr. 26 2007,12:14)

QUOTE
I could live there.

me too! Nice pic's!

JR

Beverly Hills, CA Zone 10

palmtrees.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

(Zac in NC @ Apr. 26 2007,14:06)

QUOTE

(Kim @ Apr. 26 2007,13:50)

QUOTE
Hi Bren, that's some kind of vriesea bloom; it's in the foreground of the pic making it appear huge.  Nothing was labeled in the display area, so no idea of exact plant.

Hey Zac, is there any place you haven't been with Danny?  You guys get around, and all the best places, I see. :)

Well, just Tamaulipas once, and this nursery and his nursery and Rancho Soledad, and Chinatown/the Mexican part of Downtown to eat, and the big Huntington with El Hoagie as well. Thats it.

Zac

You get a-round (round round round . . . )

to the places that matter . . .

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

(Zac in NC @ May 07 2007,19:54)

QUOTE

(gavilan1 @ May 02 2007,01:47)

QUOTE
I drive past Paul's place on Hawthorne Blvd.  every weekday, since I work a mile away.  Really nice automated greenhouses.  Huge, too.  You didn't show any of the palms out front, next to the sign.   He also had a nice traveler's palm out in front, but the mid-January freeze killed it.  I've been meaning to stop in there at lunch to see if he's gotten into any palms at all, but I avoid Mickie D's (next door) like the plague...

I've eaten in that Mickie D's. LOL With Danny Lewis for breakfast.

Zac

Hmmm.

Oh, gawd, can't resist . . .

How'd he taste??

:P  :P  :P  :P

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
STEVE IN SO CAL Mentor

STEVE IN SO CAL

Posted
Posted

Kim...not sure how I missed this post before. Great place...maybe he can find me a holy grail puya---Raimondii.

If global warming means I can grow Cocos Nucifera, then bring it on....

Link to comment
Share on other sites
palmmermaid Veteran

palmmermaid

Posted
Posted

Beautiful place!  The Boca Raton Bromeliad Society had a ramble Saturday and we visited both RF Orchids and Bullis Bromeliads.  RF Orchids gave us a private tour of their garden - spectacular!  Rainforest Flora is also beautiful.  Next time I am in the area I will try and get by for a visit.

Thanks for sharing the pictures!

Palmmermaid

Kitty Philips

West Palm Beach, FL

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Bilbo Proficient

Bilbo

Posted
Posted

Hey Kim, is that somewhere near paradise?!

Grrreat.

It may be silly but Im even trying a few Tillies on my palms here, tho I will be lucky if they last more than a year.

The climate here is all wrong - the triumph of imagination over reality I spose.

Regardez

Juan

Juan

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...