Growing Orchids In The Caribbean

The climate and geography of the Caribbean lend themselves readily to growing many of the estimated 30,000 species of orchid. Both the beginner and experienced grower will find this handy reference book an invaluable source of information. For those who simply admire the stunning array of orchids they see around them, this book will further their enjoyment with its superb photographs and easy reference sections.

The Essential Guide to Growing Orchids in the Tropics is the first book on orchid cultivation to be written specifically for growers in tropical countries and to include advice on growing them in tropical lowlands and highlands, wet and dry climates, and in urban environments such as on balconies and indoors. The book will appeal to all types of orchid lovers, as it is structured with two main sections: step-by-step basics for those growing orchids for the first time; and more comprehensive advice for orchid hobbyists and those who wish to learn more about orchid propagation and hybridisation. Also included is a comprehensive listing of the growing require-ments of the most popular varieties of orchids found in the tropics. This is invaluable for choosing the right plants for particular locales. The author is among the region’s leading orchid scientists; this practical guide to orchid growing is based on scientific research and is written in a down-to-earth style that makes it easy to understand.

Featuring more than 200 color photographs, "Understanding Orchids" provides readers with easy-to-follow instructions for the orchids they would like to grow.

A beautifully illustrated, step-by-step guide to growing native orchids from seed in your garden. Learn how to cherish these remarkable flowers and help them flourish in their natural habitat with this easy-to-use guide. Native orchids are neither difficult to cultivate nor require special conditions to thrive, and while a large meadow may be beyond the reach of most, the corner of a garden or a pot on a patio can provide a home to a spectacular display. This unique book includes valuable information on which species of orchids will work in your garden and what companion plants to grow next to them, as well as instructions on how to grow orchids from seed or in a container and how to start an orchid meadow or add orchids to an orchard, preserving and promoting local ecosystems. Beautifully illustrated throughout with photographs and illustrations, this essential guide will show you how easy it is to grow native orchids and how to create a protected environment in which declining species can thrive undisturbed.

The warm climate and generous rainfall of the Caribbean islands, together with rich soils, provide excellent conditions for growing a great variety of plant life. Columbus discovered that the indigenous peoples of the region were successfully growing an extensive range of plants and crops, and successive settlers of many cultures have introduced their familiar species. There are few places in the world with as great a diversity of plants as found in today`s Caribbean. This book tells the reader how to acheive the best results by learning more about the plants and how to grow them in particular situations. It covers all aspects of Caribbean and tropical gardening. It discusses climate, soils, drainage and irrigation, feeding, pruning and propagation. A chapter on landscape introduces the basics of garden design, and shows what to grow where. The section on plant competitors focuses on pest, disease and weed control in a tropical context. Iris Bannochie won the Gold Medal on three occasions at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, and was awarded the Gold Vietch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1977 for her contribution to tropical horticulture.

A combination of botanical beauty and practical advice in Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Orchids will inspire beginners and experienced growers to love and grow 60 beautiful orchids and 12 inspirational projects. From growing from seed to harvesting vanilla pods, the projects will bring the wonderful world of orchids to life and produce confident, keen growers wanting to expand their experience of these exotic flora.

With invaluable advice on where and how to care for your orchids, this is a beautiful gardener's guide to all the main orchids, with over 300 specially commissioned illustrations.