Customer Reviews

Growing Orchids in Your Garden

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I purchased this book in response to a review in "Orchids" the journal of the American Orchid Society. That magazine reviewed another book, "Hardy Perennial Orchids," by Bill Mathis. In the review they noted that this book is much more comprehensive. That statement is true to a very narrow degree - it mentions more genera of orchids. This book for the most part considers the arrangement of tropical epiphytic orchids in tropical gardens or temporarily set outside during the summer. Thus, the information contained in it is contained in any general book about orchid culture. This book does contain an occasional paragraph, scattered here and there, about hardy terrestrial orchids that may be incorporated into gardens, but without any information about "how to do it." If the reader is relatively new to the keeping of tropical orchids, then "Growing Orchids in the Garden" is a fairly good introduction (to growing them in the house or setting them in the garden for the summer), although there are better general introductions. If the vast majority of US or European readers truly want to grow orchids in their gardens (and there are many that are both easy and magnificient in appearance) then a book like that by Mathis is what you are looking for. It gives detailed instructions, which this books does not cover at all.

The world of orchids can be divided into tropical, sub-tropical (usually below 30 degrees latitude), and temperate. This book is mostly about growing orchids outdoors in the tropical and subtropical areas of the United States, though some space is devoted to mostly frost free areas above 30 degrees. And just a small amount is devoted to the temperate regions.

So you might be disappointed if you are not located in Florida (especially south of Gainsville), Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Southern California. But if your garden is in one of the subtropical areas you will be delighted. It is not a big book for the price, but is well written, nicely illustrated, and contains much practical advice. For example the author discusses which types of trees are best for which epiphytes, where to place them on the tree, how to attach them, how much optimal sunlight and so forth.

Good book, but not so valuable if you live in Minnesota.

This is the best book I have found on growing orchids in the garden. It dispels the myth that orchids are difficult, fussy creatures,... only for the experts.It is very comprehensively written, with lavish illustrations & is filled with helpful & inspiring advice.
A must have book for the keen gardeners library, or for anybody who loves orchids. I love this book & cannot recommend it too highly.

With some helpfull hints to grow orchids outside the house, this book choose the right orchids species for the different types of gardens. Though not conclusive with this, it also emphasize the orchids culture on courtyard and balcony, even in indoor gardens. A choice for gardeners and garden designers. Superb photos and a notheworthy table of orchids selection. Alejandro Taborda, ARGENTINA.

Books on growing orchids as house plants are numerous but information on growing them outside is not as easy to find. Here is a new book on growing temperate orchids in tropical and subtropical regions (i.e. California, Florida, Hawaii and southern regions of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia). The chapters are well organized and the book is well illustrated with color photos of orchids growing in private gardens, nurseries, parks, etc. (most of them in Florida).

Chapter 1 is "Epiphytes: Growing Orchids on Trees," which discusses the requirements of epiphytes, how to attach them to trees, companion planting, and caring for the orchids after they are planted. This is followed by a glossary of orchid genera with information on the culture of each.

Chapter 2 covers "Lithophytes: Growing Orchids on Rocks and Walls" and Chapter 3 "Terrestrials: Growing Orchids in the Ground." Each chapter follows the same format as the first.

Other chapters cover such topics as pests, species or hybrids?, designing gardens on large properties, suburban gardening, and courtyard and balcony gardens. The last section of the book covers growing orchids in containers. A chart of recommended orchids shows name, type, region, main color, flowering season, fragrance and brief comments.

Robert Friend has inspired me to look at orchids in a whole new way. Friend covers everything there is to know about orchids. From the different types of orchids and which type of garden to grow them in, to growing orchids in pots and containers and which pests to look out for.
I may not be able to leave my orchids outside year round, but his chapter on growing orchids indoors is very helpful in keeping mine alive and beautiful no matter what the weather is outside.
This book is really for someone who already had the orchid basics down. But for anyone who grows orchids already, this is a book that might inspire you to look at your plants in a new light.