BSI Affiliates

General Information

Saddleback Valley Bromeliad Society Mission Viejo, California USA

OUR MISSION: The Saddleback Valley Bromeliad Society is an educational organization promoting the study and cultivation of bromeliads and fellowship among those who do the same hobby.

Meeting Time/Place

The Saddleback Valley Bromeliad Society meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Norman Murray Community & Senior Center 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA.

Featured on April 3rd 2025: “How Bromeliads Changed My Life”

This month Jerry Robinson, owner of Rainforest Flora in Torrance (shown above) will share his adventures in search of Tillandsias, other bromeliads, and exotic plants for the development of this well-known nursery. He founded the nursery in 1976 with Paul Isley III, who sadly passed away in 2024. In the early days, they traveled together to many countries in search of plants to develop their nursery. Jerry has explored off the beaten path in Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, Panama, and Brazil. He has also made many product sourcing trips for the business to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Singapore.We are planning a Rainforest Flora field trip during the World Bromeliad Conference that SVBS is organizing in April, 2026. Don’t miss this chance to learn how this amazing nursery was created. Please join us for this informative meeting and enjoy all of our other bromeliad activities such as show and tell, raffle, silent auction of unusual plants, and great refreshments.

VISITORS ARE WELCOME - come to the meeting, sign in, tell us how you found out about us and you will receive a free raffle ticket!

PLANT AUCTION
If members have an especially interesting plant to share they often donate an offset to our SILENT AUCTION or RAFFLE TABLE. We often have special plants for you to bid. From common and small to rare and larger plants. The funds raised help to offset the room-rental costs and club activities.

REFRESHMENTS
Normally we have delicious refreshments and special treats that enhance a great evening. Currently however, due to CV-19 restrictions, that is not possible. We hope that can change soon.

SUPPLIES
Buy items needed to help your plants look their best and thrive! We have pots, tags, and other special items you need.

MEMBERSHIP
SVBS is an educational organization promoting the study and cultivation of Bromeliads. Meetings include an educational talk, a plant raffle table, a silent auction, refreshments, a lending library, supplies for purchase, shared information, and event information. Dues are $15.00 (per single person or family per year) with email newsletter and $20 with USPS newsletter. Email Nada Chatwell nchat@cox.net for further details and to get a free copy of "Pup Talk" our highly informative newsletter.

LIBRARY
Want to learn even more? Here is your chance. Check out a book in this well-established library. Chris Bruce is our Librarian.

INFORMATION
Information is shared before the meeting and during the 15 minute food break, and after the meeting with many levels of bromeliad
enthusiasts discussing and sharing their experience and knowledge.

RESOURCES

SVBS Newsletter "Pup Talk" - SVBS Website - Pup Talk Oct 2023
SVBS Website - www.bromeliadsociety.org
Instagram - www.instagram.com/bromeliad.society
Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/bromeliadsociety

Contact Person: cbrenner4@cox.net