GARDENER Mike Clifford was amazed when a Brazilian plant blossomed for the first time outside in midwinter due to the unseasonably warm weather.
Mike has cultivated thousands of rare species from across the globe in the garden of his quaint English bungalow.
But he was in disbelief when his South American bromeliad – or Aechmea Recurvata – produced flowers.
The plant, which is adapted to the tropical conditions of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, must usually be kept under cover to protect it from winter frosts.
But Mike has kept it alive in his garden in Poole for several years, owing to the south coast’s milder micro-climate.
And this winter the bromeliad has produced a cluster of vibrant pink flowers at the centre of its stiff curved leaves.
Mike, 60, said: “I have a warmer micro-climate down here which allows me to grow lots of species which others couldn’t.
“But it is unbelievable that this bromeliad has blossomed outside in December.
“We’ve had several light frosts already. It’s survived a couple of winters already but this is the first…
