Orchids: The Fine Art of Cultivation (Mini Titles) - Hardcover

Intended as an introduction to the wonderful world of orchids, the book gives enough background to get someone interested in orchids without the use of intimidating technical jargon...The photography is beautiful and inspiring... Simply put, if you love Orchids you should have this book. -- John E. Bryan "Gardening Newsletter" (11/30/2000) Covering all aspects of cultivating orchids, this book is suitable both for the beginner and the more committed orchid enthusiast. I know of no other introductory presentation on orchids by anyone of comparable authority. -- David L. Grove "Orchids" (11/29/2000) Enticing photographs and useful drawings add to the attraction of this book. -- Susan Knorr "Fairchild Tropical Garden" (04/23/2003) "Orchids..".contains the most up-to-date information about the plants. -- Marty Figley "Michigan Observer and Eccentric" (01/25/2001) The book provides accurate snatches of information which entice the reader to delve deeper into the literature. -- Joyce Stewart "South African Journal of Botany" (12/02/2004) This book would be a fine addition for orchid enthusiasts and libraries serving horticulture and gardening clientele. -- Elaine Jurries "American Reference Books Annual" (04/24/2001) With the 'windowsill grower' in mind, author Joyce Stewart's accessible style helps introduce the newcomer to orchid culture with a spectrum of useful information. -- Lynette Walther "Palatka Daily News" (07/12/2003) Stewart's writing flows evenly and the 'how to' sections are clear and understandable. Although the book is designed to interest orchid newcomers, there is much of relevance for experienced growers as well. -- William Louis Stern "Plant Science Bulletin" (03/26/2001) The author is eminently suited to guide the beginner because of her long experience with orchids . . . Excellent colored illustrations of orchid flowers and the instructive line drawings complement the text. -- William Louis Stern "Plant Science Bulletin" (03/17/2001)

Orchids explores the history of this unusual flower through the centuries, from the discovery of the species in the wild to their introduction into the fashionable greenhouses of the 19th century. It tells the story of the orchid fever and orchid propagation over the past 150 years, showcasing the prize winning hybrids awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society since 1865. The book concludes with comprehensive biographies of artists, adventurers, botanists and orchid cultivators.