Ultimate Orchid (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Smithsonian Institution (Author), American Orchid Society (Author)
Key Phrases: floral segments, orchid society, American Orchid Society, New World, Indian Ocean (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Desired by man since Ancient times, orchids inspire plant-hunters to travel the world in search of new varieties. Reaching a peak of popularity during Victoria's reign, their appeal has outlasted fashion and they are one of the most popular flowering pot plants sold today. With a reputation for being difficult, which in many cases is untrue, they tend to be admired by the general public from afar. But a closer inspection will reveal the beauty and variety of this genus, from frilly cattleyas to pansy-like miltonias, the evil-looking paphiopedilums to the dainty onciciums. This range of flower types and colours have been taken advantage of by the plant breeders and a plethora of cultivars are now mass-produced for public consumption. This fully illustrated DK guide lives up to the DK reputation of attractive presentation and fabulous photographs. Even a quick flick through the pages will capture the uninitiated orchid-lover and possibly spark a lifelong interest. Whilst lacking in cultivation details for each particular species, it is nevertheless an informative overview of orchids - their history, variety, care and future. - Lucy Watson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Ultimate' is a big word, but trust this collaboration with the Sminthsonian Institution and the American Orchid Society to be definitive and spectacular. (Dallas Morning News)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789480441
• ISBN-13: 978-0789480446
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #821,484 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #92 in

  Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > By Plant > Orchids

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing pictures!, October 26, 2001

By A Customer

If you are looking for a book with great clear pictures of the
many different types of orchids this is the book for you!

It is great for Identifying the different species you see and want to know what they are.

Has some informational parts about the orchid and how it has been used over time and civilizations. GREAT BOOK!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Pictures, November 6, 2002

By	Eric Chow "hbear51152" (La Canada, California United States) - See all my reviews

This book is very nice with respect to the orchid pictures they have in here. Very nice for a coffee table center piece and an excellent gift to inspire a soon to be orchid lover. They would be absolutely awestruck with their beauty and these photos bring out the best qualities in the flowers. It gives a good description but maybe a little too simple for those in the advance stages of growing. They do, though, have some nice pictures of fairly rare orchids. For example, there is a picture of a Cymbidium canaliculatum there that is absolutely beautiful (not variety sparkesii!. Growing tips are okay, but the book is more for the identification part and the enjoyment of the family Orchids.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Pictures, November 6, 2002

By	Eric Chow "hbear51152" (La Canada, California United States) - See all my reviews

This book is very nice with respect to the orchid pictures they have in here. Very nice for a coffee table center piece and an excellent gift to inspire a soon to be orchid lover. They would be absolutely awestruck with their beauty and these photos bring out the best qualities in the flowers. It gives a good description but maybe a little too simple for those in the advance stages of growing. They do, though, have some nice pictures of fairly rare orchids. For example, there is a picture of a Cymbidium canaliculatum there that is absolutely beautiful (not variety sparkesii!. Growing tips are okay, but the book is more for the identification part and the enjoyment of the family Orchids.