In southern coastal Queensland, Spanish Moss and Tillandsia mallemontii can be used to form screens in the garden. In both cases, select locations which, at least, receive shade in the afternoon. This is especially important in summer. Good air movement, such as that occurring in “breezeways” or locations with a northeasterly aspect, is also important. This is especially true for T.mallemontii. However, avoid locations which are exposed to cold, dry winds.

Build a framework for the screen out of wood or galvanised pipes. A wide variety of material can be used to form the lattice from which the Tillandsias are hung. Examples include: timer lattice panels (but not those which have been treated with a timber preservative), plastic garden mesh, weldmesh fencing panels, and galvanised wire netting (but avoid rusty wire).

For Spanish Moss, hang strands along the mesh. Use strands which are two or three plants “thick”, and hang down the full length of the framework. Leave a gap of two to five centimetres between each strand.

Tie two to five plants of T.mallemontii to the lattice. Use plastic covered wire or strips of nylon pantyhose to do this job. Each cluster of plants should be separated at intervals of about five centimetres horizontally, and seven to ten centimetres vertically. (This job can be quite time consuming. However, you can do it when you are watching television similar activties. In this regard, it is a bit like knitting).

Water the Tillandsia “walls” once a week in winter and twice weekly in summer. Use liquid fertiliser every fortnight.

The Tillandsias will form an effective screen within one year. They need “renovation” every three years, as they “thicken up” over that period. In turn, this results in plants in the centre of the clumps which have formed not receiving sufficient light, air movement, water or nutrients.