This is a pictorially beautiful, and very helpful, book about orchids.
There is a great deal of information about the
cultivation of orchids
(at home). It includes many photographs of various flowers. There are
many tips on choosing various types of orchids to grow (the author
gives a strong emphasis on the scent of the flowers).
In the back of the book are lists of various species of orchids by Ease
of Culture, Light Requirements, Nighttime Temperatures, Fragrances,
Intensity of Fragrance, the Time of Fragrance, the Season of Bloom.
There is also a list of sources for fragrant orchids (with addresses,
phone and fax numbers, and email addresses, and a brief commentary).
Finally, there is a glossary, a plant name index, and an extensive
bibliography.
With the pictures of each of the orchids, the following facts are
given: the name, its pronunciation, the origin,
description and
qualities of the plant, the intensity of fragrance, a flower
description, the season of bloom, the mature plant's description, its
ease of culture, suitable growing areas, its light needs, temperature
needs, recommended potting mix, and any comments the author feels are
appropriate.
For anyone who wishes to grow (or even wear) orchids, this book is a
godsend. It is especially neat for readers and lovers of Rex Stout's
Nero Wolfe mystery novels, with their emphasis on the detective's
beloved flowers.