For many lovers of flowers, orchids have a particular allure. Popular among gardeners, florists and nature lovers, orchids come in a huge array of shapes, sizes, and colours, and have some of the most intriguing names of any flower species — Flying Duck, Beard, Fire and Boat-lip Orchids, Doubletails, Fairy Bells, Parson’s Bands and Greenhoods. Some spend their whole lives underground while others grow high in trees. And they are the tricksters of the flower world, many mimicking the forms and smells of female insects and spiders to sexually deceive their male counterparts into pollinating the flower. The Allure of Orchids features an essay by orchid expert Mark Clements, accompanied by a portfolio of illustrations, both historical and modern, of this alluring species. In it you will find works by around 25 artists, including the extraordinarily detailed lithographs of early botanical illustrator Ferdinand Bauer, Ellis Rowan’s beautiful paintings, the delicate watercolours of Margaret Cochrane Scott, and many more.

The prize-winning history of the orchid: “an engaging and enlightening account of one of the Earth's most mythologized botanical wonders” (Richard Conniff, author of House of Lost Worlds). At once delicate, exotic, and elegant, orchids are beloved for their singular, instantly recognizable beauty. Found in nearly every climate, the many species of orchid have had varying forms of significance in countless cultures over time. Following the orchid’s journey from Ancient Greek medicine to twentieth century detective novels, science historian Jim Endersby explores the flower’s four recurring themes: science, empire, sex, and death. Orchids were a symbol of the exotic riches sought by 19th century Europeans in their plans for colonization. They became subjects of scientific scrutiny for Charles Darwin, who investigated their methods of cross-pollination. As Endersby shows, orchids—perhaps because of their extraordinarily diverse colors, shapes, and sizes—have also bloomed repeatedly in films, novels, plays, and poems, from Shakespeare to science fiction. Featuring many gorgeous illustrations from the collection of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Orchid: A Cultural History was awarded the Watson Davis and Helen Miles Davis Prize by the History of Science Society. It is an enchanting tale not only for gardeners and plant collectors, but anyone curious about the flower’s obsessive hold on the imagination in history, cinema, literature, and more.

The author spent nearly three years photographing thousands of orchids in all their diversity. This volume of the pictures features more than 120 new hybrids, obscure specimens and classic blooms, with informative captions and essays on the history, mystique and hybridization of orchids worldwide.

Orchids of Tropical America is an entertaining, informative, and splendidly illustrated introduction to the orchid family for enthusiasts and newcomers seeking to learn about more than 120 widespread orchid genera. Joe E. Meisel, Ronald S. Kaufmann, and Franco Pupulin bring alive the riot of colors, extraordinary shapes, and varied biology and ecology of the principal orchid genera ranging from Mexico and the Caribbean to Bolivia and Brazil. Orchids, likely the most diverse family of plants on earth, reach their peak diversity in the tropical countries of the Western Hemisphere, including, for example, more than 2,500 species in Brazil and 4,000 in Ecuador. The book also highlights reserves in the American tropics where travelers can enjoy orchids in the wild. Whether you journey abroad to see these unique plants, raise them in your home, or admire them from afar, this book offers fascinating insights into the diversity and natural history of orchids. Beyond the plant and flower descriptions, Orchids of Tropical America is packed with informative stories about the ecology and history of each genus. Pollination ecology is given in detail, with an emphasis on how floral features distinctive to the genus are linked to interaction with pollinators. This book also features information on medicinal and commercial uses, notes on the discoverers, and relevant historical data. The easy-to-use identification system permits quick recognition of the most common orchid groups in Central and South America. Genus descriptions are given in plain language designed for a nonscientific audience but will prove highly useful to advanced botanists as well. Descriptions focus on external morphology, and great care has been taken to ensure the guide is useful in the field without reliance on microscopes or dissections. Equally valuable as a field guide, a desktop reference, or a gift, Orchids of Tropical America will make an excellent addition to any orchid lover’s library. Visit the website for this book at www.orchidsoftropicalamerica.com.

From the machair grasslands of the Outer Hebrides to the chalk cliffs of Kent, and from the dense pinewoods of Abernethy forest to the wetlands of the Fens of eastern England, Britain offers a richly varied array of habitats for our wild flowers. The distinguished science and natural history producer and filmmaker Steve Nicholls presents a visually stunning survey of Britain's best-loved wildflowers, illustrated with the his own beautiful photographs of flora in their habitat. Focusing on three broad habitats – grassland, open land and woodland – he offers a biologically rigorous but engagingly readable account of our wild flowers and the places that nourish them. He probes deep into the social and cultural history of wild flowers to tell a plethora of fascinating stories, from the 'daffodil trains' which transported Londoners to the 'golden triangle' in Gloucestershire to experience woodlands carpeted with wild daffodils, to the odd case of the Bath asparagus – which isn't an asparagus at all, but rather the edible flower buds of the rare spiked star of Bethlehem, which used to grow in abundance around Bath.

“This beautiful book is useful for all of us, novice and experienced orchid lovers alike.” —Martha Stewart, author, entrepreneur, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Add the vibrant colors and exotic blooms of orchids to your houseplant haven! It’s easier than you think with the help of Orchid Modern. Marc Hachadourian, the curator of the orchid collection at the New York Botanical Garden, shares his secrets to successfully growing these sometimes finicky houseplants. Besides the basics, you’ll learn his top 120 orchid picks for green and not-so-green thumbs. Ten inspirational, step-by-step projects, including terrariums, a wreath, and a kokedama, provide the confidence to make orchids a thriving, vivid part of your home’s signature style.

## The Orchid House Expert Unlock the Secrets to Thriving Greenhouse Orchids with "The Orchid House Expert"—your comprehensive guide to mastering the art of greenhouse orchid cultivation. This eBook unveils the intricacies of growing these enchanting flowers, transforming your greenhouse into a vibrant orchid paradise. Ideal for hobbyists and seasoned growers alike, every chapter is packed with actionable insights and expert techniques. **Dive into the World of Greenhouse Orchid Cultivation** Begin your journey with an overview of greenhouse orchid cultivation, understanding the undeniable benefits and identifying the orchid varieties best suited for greenhouse environments. **Select and Set Up Your Greenhouse** Learn how to choose the right greenhouse structure, manage environmental controls, and design the optimal setup and layout for your orchids. Your greenhouse will soon become a nurturing haven, tailored to the needs of these exquisite plants. **Achieve Perfect Growing Conditions** Master the nuances of temperature, humidity, and light management to create an environment where orchids thrive. Discover the importance of selecting the right potting mediums and the best practices for repotting to ensure robust growth. **Expert Watering and Feeding Techniques** From frequency and quantity to irrigation systems, uncover the secrets of effective watering. Delve into the world of orchid nutrients, understanding essential feeding schedules and the benefits of organic versus synthetic fertilizers. **Conquer Pests and Diseases** Equip yourself with the knowledge to identify, treat, and prevent common pests and diseases, ensuring your orchids remain healthy and vibrant. **Expand Your Orchid Collection** Explore propagation techniques from seed propagation to cloning and tissue culture. Unlock advanced greenhouse techniques, including hydroponic systems and automated climate controls, taking your orchid growing skills to the next level. **Manage Flowering and Blooming** Learn strategies to encourage flowering, maintain blooms, and troubleshoot non-flowering orchids. With seasonal care tips and advanced techniques, your orchids will bloom beautifully year-round. **Prepare for Displays and Exhibitions** Gain insider tips on staging, presentation, and participating in orchid shows. Plus, keep meticulous records with guidance on monitoring growth and health trends, documenting propagation, and bloom cycles. **Sustainable Growing Practices** Embrace eco-friendly practices in pest management, water conservation, and fertilizing to make your greenhouse operations sustainable. "The Orchid House Expert" is more than just a guide—it's your gateway to growing spectacular orchids successfully. Transform your greenhouse into a thriving oasis and become an orchid cultivation expert today.

Comprising some 28,000 different species, orchids are by far the largest flowering plant family on Earth. Every year, new species are being uncovered in the wild or created by humans, and so this number has only continued to blossom. This book is intended for those who wish to learn about the multifaceted nature of this amazing plant. It covers many different aspects of orchid study, from its cultural history to its evolutionary development and from its first discoveries to ongoing scientific research. No matter your specialty or level of orchid expertise, you can find in this book new and fascinating facts and stories that will make you gasp, laugh, and read on. Through the many exotic and beautiful pictures permeating these pages, you will come to know something of the infinite diversity of this plant family and at last learn why so many orchid growers and fanatics have embarked on this same endless path. “I was smitten with this book after reading the very first chapter on the history of Orchids...There are plenty of interesting facts to charm your orchid friends and impress even the most studied researcher... All in all a fabulous read that is well illustrated and with a reference section the likes of which I have never seen before with its vast and varied appendices on a slew of subjects. If you are looking for a book that is engaging and educational with lots of good humor thrown in, then this book is for you. I know that I will treasure my copy for years to come.” -- Laura Newton, American Orchid Society Awards Registrar and Accredited Judge, ORCHIDS Magazine (May, 2018) "Joel L. Schiff brings to life not just the science surrounding orchids, but the human process of recognizing, cataloging, and appreciating them...It's this approach, combined with lovely close-up color photos throughout, which makes Rare and Exotic Orchids a recommendation not just for professionals or botany libraries, but for general-interest readers who will enjoy a highly accessible study that invites an in-depth interest in orchids and their importance to human affairs."-- Diane Donovan’s Pick of the Month (April, 2018)

Unlock the secrets of orchid gardening and transform your space into a lush, blooming paradise with "Orchid Gardening Mastery." This comprehensive guide takes you on a captivating journey from novice to orchid enthusiast, whether you're nurturing your first plant or adding to an already-budding collection. Dive into the world of orchids with an understanding of their diverse varieties and intricate life cycles. Discover which species will flourish in your environment, making even the smallest of spaces a haven for these exotic beauties. With expert guidance, craft the perfect habitat using the right tools, lighting, and climate conditions to ensure your orchids thrive. Navigate the art of repotting with precision and learn foolproof watering techniques, avoiding common pitfalls along the way. Delve into nutrition and fertilization, ensuring your orchids receive the vital nutrients they need for optimal growth and stunning blooms. Unlock the mysteries of orchid health with practical solutions to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. Experience the joy of blooming as you master techniques to encourage and prolong those stunning displays. With creative display strategies, integrate orchids seamlessly into your home decor, or design breathtaking outdoor exhibits. For the adventurous, explore rare and exotic species, challenging your skills and expanding your botanic horizons. Sustainability-minded gardeners will appreciate eco-friendly practices, recycling efforts, and resource conservation tips. And don't garden alone—engage with a vibrant orchid community through societies, clubs, shows, and shared experiences. Your orchid adventure doesn't end with the last page. "Orchid Gardening Mastery" is a gateway to continuous growth and discovery, offering a rich array of resources and further reading to cultivate a lifelong enjoyment of these remarkable plants. Embark on your orchid journey and let their beauty transform your life today.

Pictures and prose illustrate the importance and complexity of orchid conservation and the need to cherish to beauty and wildernes around us.