Bromeliads are a diverse group of plants in the family Bromeliaceae. The pineapple is the most commonly known bromeliad. Some types grow in soil, some on rocks, and others like the well-known Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) can grow without soil by taking water and nutrients from the air.

The original Bromeliad Garden was designed in 1967 and consists of masses of plants surrounding the Pavilion. As the plants multiplied, a new section was planted further down the Main Lawn which became the Lower Bromeliad Garden. A stone grotto topped by cast lead figures of two roosters, built for Madame Walska in the 1940's, became a focal point for the new garden. The surrounding area features beds in which bromeliads cover the ground and lower limbs of large coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia).

Other notable plants in the garden include a branched pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelinii) and Trithrinax brasiliensis palms. The garden is bordered by a planting of giant pony tail palms (Beaucarnea recurvata).

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