"I've got this bad habit that when I take on something, I take it on in a big way," Mr Smith said.

A carpenter by trade, gardening is Mr Smith's passion.

His interest originally began with orchids and while he was living in Singleton he started the Upper Hunter Orchid Society.

Mr Smith who now hybridises his own types of bromeliads has more than 5000 varieties of the plant in his 1200 square metre block.

'It's rare to have the variety that I have," he said.

Mr Smith said he was a "perfectionist" when it came to breeding and will only officially register a new breed once he is completely satisfied with it.

"I'm always wanting to achieve something that is better," he said.

The NSW and QLD bromeliad societies have toured his garden as well as various community groups. Bulahdelah gardening club is already booked in for March.

Any community groups who would like a tour of Mr Smith's bromeliad wonderland are more than welcome.

The demonstrations are free and Mr Smith said he really enjoyed teaching people how to grow them correctly.

Mr Smith asked that people book ahead on 4997 2880. He also sells different varieties of bromeliads.