Tea with a Capital B
Owning a business came by surprise for Carol and Geoff MacKenzie. All set for retirement, their lives were turned upside-down when their son Allen was involved in a head on collision in South America, leaving him wheelchair bound and unable to work as a chef. But the Mackenzie’s banded together and, as a result, Bromeliad Bed and Breakfast was born – much to the delight of visitors and locals alike.
Although this Brolga Award-winning establishment is a bed and breakfast, you don’t have to stay the night to enjoy what it has to offer. This lovely little Karama-based B&B offers morning and afternoon tea, with four delicious homemade courses. Frequenting the menu are prawn and sausage rolls, banana cake, mango ice cream and seasonal fruit platters – and we hear Carol’s signature pikelets with wild rosella jam and lashing of cream are a hit with the crowds. All of this deliciousness is washed down with plentiful amounts of hot tea and coffee.
Tea is best enjoyed outside amongst the impressive tropical garden oasis. With around 1,000 bromeliad plants as well as orchids, temple bells and lillypilly shrubs, the garden alone is worthy of a visit. And visit the garden you can for just $5, with all takings going directly to local not-for-profit disability support service, Helping People Achieve (HPA). How lovely!
The garden has been lovingly grown and cultivated over the past 16 years, with a few special plants making it a true family treasure.
“One of the bromeliads here is a descendent from my mother’s garden. We call that a pup. It’s very special to have life continue from my mother’s garden in South Australia to our garden here in the Territory,” Carol explained.
“Many of our plants have tags illustrating both their common and botanical names, their country of origin, and the year the plant was first cultivated – we get lots of enthusiasts in here who can’t believe how many varieties we have,” she added.
For a unique experience, a spot of tea in the garden and a side of the warm fuzzies, make sure you stop by Bromeliad B&B – you’ll be bromeli-glad you did!
By appointment | 26 Copra Cres, Karama | $25, Morning & Afternoon Tea | $5 donation, Garden Entry | bromeliadbandb.com | 0438 644 640
