Beginning with a history of the first introductions to Western horticulture more than 250 years ago and describing the difficult days of learning how to grow orchids, this book continues on with the principals of growing, propagating, and caring for orchids in the temperate regions. Discussions of the environmental conditions found where orchids grow in the wild help to give enthusiasts a clearer understanding of the cultural needs of the plants under cultivation. Some of the orchids described can be grown with success in a conservatory or on a windowsill, others need a greenhouse. The book describes over 500 species and hybrids. Lots of colour illustrations and delightful historical prints.
