Having native orchids growing in the garden is a gardener's dream – and this book can help it come true. How to Grow Native Orchids in Gardens Large and Small starts with the history and botany of orchids and continues with practical tips on how to grow native orchids in your garden. Readers will find out
- Which species of orchids will work in their garden
- How to protect them from pests and diseases
- How to grow orchids in a container
- How to start an orchid meadow
The special relationship between native orchids and their habitat makes them a marker of the health of an environment. Readers will learn how to cherish these remarkable flowers and help them flourish in their natural habitat
Born and raised in Solihull, David Morgan took a degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Lancaster, an experience that saw his interest switch from zoology to botany. He moved to Nottingham University to do a PhD in plant physiology. He had done postdoctoral research in the same field, including a period in New Zealand looking at practical applications of botany in horticulture.
Wilson Wall is the Director of Bewdley Orchids, provider of native British orchids for individuals and groups to grow in their garden or meadow. Elected Fellow of the Institute of Biology (now the Royal Society of Biology) and Chartered Biologist, Wilson has a PhD in genetics and a long interest in growing orchids from seed. He has written several books before, of both single and joint authorship and was editor of The Clematis, journal of the British Clematis Society.
"Such delicate illustrations in this informative book. A must for orchid growers."
– Graeme Kay, BSBI county recorder
"An easy-to-read, practical guide to growing native orchids and a compelling call to action for British gardeners to help save our threatened species."
– Mandy Bradshaw, gardening journalist and blogger
"This excellent book has inspired me to establish some native orchids in my patch – the authors make failure sound difficult. Highly accessible, encouraging, beautifully illustrated and eminently readable."
– Bunny Guinness, Gardener's Question Time
"A great guide that shows how, with a little preparation, beautiful native orchids can be grown by anyone, in a range of garden settings, helping to conserve species under threat in the wild."
– Ian and Teresa Moss, Rare Plant Fairs
"A beautifully produced book with charming illustrations and images of our native orchids. It is sure to encourage more gardeners to propagate these threatened plants"
– Dr Nick Owens, author of The Bees of Norfolk
"We don't usually consider orchids as garden plants, but perhaps we should. With historical notes on orchid collection and decline, a discussion of orchid biology and neat descriptions of the species and their suitability for cultivation, this fascinating book makes the idea of filling the garden with unexpected and beautiful orchids seem eminently achievable."
– Naomi Slade, author of The Snowdrop
"Every page a delight, easy to read and beautifully illustrated with photographs, paintings and drawings. Designed to be 'dipped into' for information and practical advice or just become enthralled with our exquisite native orchids."
– Margaret Howells, gardener and lecturer in biology