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The Kew Gardener's Guide to Growing Orchids: The Art and Science to Grow Your Own Orchids (Volume 6)
This inspirational book from Kew's orchid experts reveals the easiest, most attractive and most popular plants to grow today.
Orchids come from the second largest plant family (with 28,000 members) and have a reputation for diversity and trickiness - but expert Philip Seaton chooses 60 of the best species to become permanent and happy members of your home.
Through a combination of 12 projects and easy to follow practical advice he shows how to welcome new plants, to revive their flagging spirits as well as their basic care and cultivation. He shows how to produce and train flowers, to collect and sow their seed, and how to plant and display them in a terrarium, or on bark or in a basket.
Find out when to water them, how to repot them and the ideal room and conditions that each orchid needs to thrive . The combination of botanical beauty and practical advice will inspire beginners and experienced growers to grow new species in many different ways.
This book is from the Kew Experts series, in which the top gardeners and botanical scientists from Royal Botanic Kew Gardens offer up advice and information as well as suggesting handy projects on a range of gardening topics. Other titles Companion to Medicinal Plants, Guide to Growing Bulbs, Guide to Growing Fruit, Guide to Growing Herbs, Guide to Growing Roses, Guide to Growing Succulents and Cacti, Guide to Growing Trees, Guide to Growing Vegetables and Guide to Growing House Plants.
Orchids come from the second largest plant family (with 28,000 members) and have a reputation for diversity and trickiness - but expert Philip Seaton chooses 60 of the best species to become permanent and happy members of your home.
Through a combination of 12 projects and easy to follow practical advice he shows how to welcome new plants, to revive their flagging spirits as well as their basic care and cultivation. He shows how to produce and train flowers, to collect and sow their seed, and how to plant and display them in a terrarium, or on bark or in a basket.
Find out when to water them, how to repot them and the ideal room and conditions that each orchid needs to thrive . The combination of botanical beauty and practical advice will inspire beginners and experienced growers to grow new species in many different ways.
This book is from the Kew Experts series, in which the top gardeners and botanical scientists from Royal Botanic Kew Gardens offer up advice and information as well as suggesting handy projects on a range of gardening topics. Other titles Companion to Medicinal Plants, Guide to Growing Bulbs, Guide to Growing Fruit, Guide to Growing Herbs, Guide to Growing Roses, Guide to Growing Succulents and Cacti, Guide to Growing Trees, Guide to Growing Vegetables and Guide to Growing House Plants.
- GenresGardeningNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
25 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 26, 2019
The Kew Gardener's Guide to Growing Orchids by Philip Seaton has beautifully photographed orchids!
The book has a delightful assortment of photos, botanical illustrations, and instructional guides. The information is very concise and expansive regarding the care of current plants and germination for new plants. The author provides very helpful instructions for repotting and also for planting from seeds and transplanting flask seedlings.
I enjoyed the book and appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book through NetGalley.
The book has a delightful assortment of photos, botanical illustrations, and instructional guides. The information is very concise and expansive regarding the care of current plants and germination for new plants. The author provides very helpful instructions for repotting and also for planting from seeds and transplanting flask seedlings.
I enjoyed the book and appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book through NetGalley.
October 27, 2020
Orchid fanciers like me have a number of books to turn to for advice on how to grow their favourite obsessions.
Philip Seaton bears the full weight of expertise and experience from Kew Gardens, a horticulturalist’s playground and an orchid lover’s wonder.
This is a very pretty little book with speckled pages and elegant watercolours of each plant, straight out of a Victorian guidebook. Each species sampled from the major alliances is provided with its own one page care guide, with a painting on each page and some have a photo. There are no hybrids here.
I don’t know how these particular species were chosen to be in the book (since there are thousands), perhaps because they are particularly notable for their beauty or historical significance. Being a bit tired of the ubiquitous grocery store phalaenopsis, I like to read about the lesser known species that make up the majority of orchids in the world.
Besides the general comeliness of the book, the positive points are the factoids found on each page and the small projects scattered throughout the book.
Some of this is a little outside my immediate grasp of experience. It hadn’t occurred to me to try pollinating my orchids to get seeds to save so that the continued existence of the species could be assured. Such a project would require having species orchids in bloom, which would be just wonderful. The advice to keep bees out of one’s greenhouse lest they try pollinating one’s orchids made me smile. What a world the author must live in! It’s kind of like advising to lock the garage containing your Lamborghini so that your genius teenager won’t tinker with what’s under the hood.
I have tried mounting orchids but without much success so far. The book gave me a few ideas to try it again next summer.
On the downside, despite providing step by step explanations with photos, the instructions are not always clear. I think the reader needs a good grasp of orchid flower anatomy to follow some of them. The photos are a bit too small and not of the best quality.
And some of the terminology is a bit opaque. What is the difference between “summer shade”, “dappled shade”, and “light shade”? The author refers to potting medium (bark, moss, perlite, lava clay) as “compost”, which was distracting, as to me it means something quite different. Sage advice on how to grow orchids outdoors in the garden is a bit less useful to someone like me who lives in Ontario Z5.
I’ll probably use this book as a reference if I should be lucky enough to get my hands on one or two of the species mentioned. I hope!
Philip Seaton bears the full weight of expertise and experience from Kew Gardens, a horticulturalist’s playground and an orchid lover’s wonder.
This is a very pretty little book with speckled pages and elegant watercolours of each plant, straight out of a Victorian guidebook. Each species sampled from the major alliances is provided with its own one page care guide, with a painting on each page and some have a photo. There are no hybrids here.
I don’t know how these particular species were chosen to be in the book (since there are thousands), perhaps because they are particularly notable for their beauty or historical significance. Being a bit tired of the ubiquitous grocery store phalaenopsis, I like to read about the lesser known species that make up the majority of orchids in the world.
Besides the general comeliness of the book, the positive points are the factoids found on each page and the small projects scattered throughout the book.
Some of this is a little outside my immediate grasp of experience. It hadn’t occurred to me to try pollinating my orchids to get seeds to save so that the continued existence of the species could be assured. Such a project would require having species orchids in bloom, which would be just wonderful. The advice to keep bees out of one’s greenhouse lest they try pollinating one’s orchids made me smile. What a world the author must live in! It’s kind of like advising to lock the garage containing your Lamborghini so that your genius teenager won’t tinker with what’s under the hood.
I have tried mounting orchids but without much success so far. The book gave me a few ideas to try it again next summer.
On the downside, despite providing step by step explanations with photos, the instructions are not always clear. I think the reader needs a good grasp of orchid flower anatomy to follow some of them. The photos are a bit too small and not of the best quality.
And some of the terminology is a bit opaque. What is the difference between “summer shade”, “dappled shade”, and “light shade”? The author refers to potting medium (bark, moss, perlite, lava clay) as “compost”, which was distracting, as to me it means something quite different. Sage advice on how to grow orchids outdoors in the garden is a bit less useful to someone like me who lives in Ontario Z5.
I’ll probably use this book as a reference if I should be lucky enough to get my hands on one or two of the species mentioned. I hope!
January 6, 2020
I have never grown orchids personally, I found their difficult reputation daunting and the leaves without flowers to be boring. However, this book gives me hope that maybe I could succeed at growing some of the basic ones if I tried. It goes into great detail about how each type of orchid is different, and which are beginner friendly. The pictures are helpful and I could follow the information without feeling talked down to, or lost. There is a guide to several common type of orchids which lists them by scientific name and care instructions which is incredibly helpful. I was able to look up the jewel orchid I see everyone talking about and see if it matched my skill level or interest. There are also little projects included on how to arrange or store orchids. If you need information on orchids, this is an approachable, easy to follow guide.
May 21, 2020
I have killed so many orchids from Trader Joe's, the cashiers just throw them away for me instead of putting them in a bag. (Kidding.) But seriously, they always lose their petals and then become petrified sticks.
This guide covers the many different varieties of orchids, as well as the different ways they can be planted and cared for. The Kew Gardens are renowned for their wonderful collection, and this guide reflects their expertise. I'm still not convinced my thumb will ever be green, but I definitely feel more knowledgeable about orchids now.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
This guide covers the many different varieties of orchids, as well as the different ways they can be planted and cared for. The Kew Gardens are renowned for their wonderful collection, and this guide reflects their expertise. I'm still not convinced my thumb will ever be green, but I definitely feel more knowledgeable about orchids now.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
December 28, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Orchids is a new tutorial guide to growing and enjoying orchids by Philip Seaton. Due out 21st Jan 2020 by Quarto on their White Lion imprint, it's 144 pages and available in paperback format.
Whenever gardeners think about inspiration and knowledge on a worldwide scale, the Kew gardens are at the very top of a very short list. They've been going strong for almost 260 years at this point. This book includes an herbal compendium for the culture and care info of more than 70 individual orchids along with several attractive plantings arranged as projects. This is also one of a series of books from Kew with culture advice and troubleshooting tips for different types of plants (herbs, houseplants, bulbs, fruits, and vegetables).
The introduction includes general info for growing orchids of different types followed by a good collection of specific species and their culture requirements. Each of the entries includes a beautiful hand-drawn botanical illustration, taxonomic names, type of plant (terrestrial, sympodial, epiphytic, monopodial, etc) as well as size, temperature and other requirements. The projects in the tutorial chapters include things like repotting, binding orchids to a bark substrate, making a corsage and others.
Much of the photography is from stock photos, but all of the project photos are purpose made for this edition. The culture information is straightforward and peppered with good tips and tricks for encouraging the best performance from all of your plants.
Four stars. Well written and full of attractive photography and gorgeous botanical illustrations.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Orchids is a new tutorial guide to growing and enjoying orchids by Philip Seaton. Due out 21st Jan 2020 by Quarto on their White Lion imprint, it's 144 pages and available in paperback format.
Whenever gardeners think about inspiration and knowledge on a worldwide scale, the Kew gardens are at the very top of a very short list. They've been going strong for almost 260 years at this point. This book includes an herbal compendium for the culture and care info of more than 70 individual orchids along with several attractive plantings arranged as projects. This is also one of a series of books from Kew with culture advice and troubleshooting tips for different types of plants (herbs, houseplants, bulbs, fruits, and vegetables).
The introduction includes general info for growing orchids of different types followed by a good collection of specific species and their culture requirements. Each of the entries includes a beautiful hand-drawn botanical illustration, taxonomic names, type of plant (terrestrial, sympodial, epiphytic, monopodial, etc) as well as size, temperature and other requirements. The projects in the tutorial chapters include things like repotting, binding orchids to a bark substrate, making a corsage and others.
Much of the photography is from stock photos, but all of the project photos are purpose made for this edition. The culture information is straightforward and peppered with good tips and tricks for encouraging the best performance from all of your plants.
Four stars. Well written and full of attractive photography and gorgeous botanical illustrations.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
January 21, 2020
This is a really beautifully-presented guide to growing orchids. The layout of each page looks great with several pale colour text boxes to break up the information alongside stunning photographs. The first section explains about the different types of orchids you can grow at home and how to care for them. The next section is a sort of dictionary of some of the most common types of orchids you can grow, with some basic details and a picture. Some types have both a drawing and a photograph, while some types have only a drawing. While the drawings are very detailed and realistic, I would have liked to see a few more photographs of the different types. The book is interspersed with interesting projects to try, with photographs showing the main steps.
This book is full of very useful information. I have quite a few orchids at home bought from supermarkets and while I’ve managed to keep them looking mostly healthy for a while, this guide has been really useful in understanding what I can do to care for them properly to get them looking even better. I didn’t realise just how many wonderful types of orchid there are and this book has given me the incentive to be try to grow some different types of orchids.
Thank you to Frances Lincoln and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
This book is full of very useful information. I have quite a few orchids at home bought from supermarkets and while I’ve managed to keep them looking mostly healthy for a while, this guide has been really useful in understanding what I can do to care for them properly to get them looking even better. I didn’t realise just how many wonderful types of orchid there are and this book has given me the incentive to be try to grow some different types of orchids.
Thank you to Frances Lincoln and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
December 3, 2019
This is a beautiful book dedicated to orchids with a brief history and gorgeous photos. I made it a mission to grow orchids in my apartment and office and while I was successful for a time, I unfortunately had to move and donated my orchids to a greenhouse. Years later, I still miss them but am trying my hand at growing again. This book has organized information that's not too difficult to remember for a beginner and great illustrations; I love the lay out. It's a resource I'm going to use time and again for the orchids I've just purchased -- I hope that it'll help me be a bit more successful and maybe grow from seeds for the first time ever.
February 5, 2020
This is a beautiful, informative and well presented book. If you grow orchids it is a must, if you think you want to grow orchids, it will explain it all in simple terms, which will make you wonder why you haven't tried them before.
Well explained growth requirement, various pot suggestion, temperature/housing, feeding and even how to grow some in the wild. There is and encyclopaedia of varieties all include botanical information and most have both photograph and beautiful illustrations of the flower. Mingled amongst all this are "how to" explanations.
A very good book, but would you expect anything less from the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens
Well explained growth requirement, various pot suggestion, temperature/housing, feeding and even how to grow some in the wild. There is and encyclopaedia of varieties all include botanical information and most have both photograph and beautiful illustrations of the flower. Mingled amongst all this are "how to" explanations.
A very good book, but would you expect anything less from the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens
December 14, 2019
This book is wonderful book with beautiful pictures of orchids. This book has easy to understand instructions and guidance on how to care for orchids but is incredibly in-depth. The layout is fantastic and this book is a must have for reference for those wanting to grow orchids. I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC for an honest review.
January 6, 2020
I've always wanted to grow orchids, but have been intimidated by most books on the subject. This guide drew me right into believing that I can be surrounded by magical fairy plants I've grown myself. The introduction sections are thorough without being overwhelming, and filled with lovely photos. The species pages are interspersed with tutorials and projects, inviting an exploratory reading, digging in here and there. I will be recommending this book to my local library and look forward to having it on my shelves.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advance read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advance read.
May 19, 2020
... very useful book for growing orchids! Plenty information and a lot of nice pictures - a data sheet for a lot of orchids, interesting to read. I love Orchids and I have had plenty of them!
Great for people with interests in getting an Orchid ...
Note 2 or B
thanks for letting review this ARC
Great for people with interests in getting an Orchid ...
Note 2 or B
thanks for letting review this ARC
December 31, 2019
Lovely book outlining the wide variety of orchids and how to care for them. The pests/diseases section at the end is especially helpful, as is the seasonal maintenance information.
April 29, 2020
I'm considering buying this one
January 25, 2021
While this sounds like just another orchid growing tips book, it's not. It's fresh, new, and has great ideas for mixing up your orchid skills and aesthetic.
January 27, 2020
Having enjoyed a previous Kew Gardener’s Guide, I was excited to open their latest release focusing on growing orchids. I’ve tried a couple of times to be a healthy home for orchids to no avail, I hoped the book would guide me on where I went wrong.
The book begins with a short but interesting history of orchids before outlining each kind of orchid describing where to grow each and how to do it as well as beautiful illustrations and photos. I had no idea how broad the range of orchids is and how many stunning variants there are.
Between orchid descriptions are projects and creative ways to display orchids with easy to follow instructions and photos.
The book concludes with tips and a schedule of what to do when, this for me was the most helpful part of the book! It explains a lot of what I should have and shouldn’t have done! Upon finishing the book, a thoroughly enjoyable journey, I feel I’m more able to try again with orchids though I’ll probably target those who can live in the garden rather than needing to be in a pot inside!
If you are looking for more knowledge on orchids, this one is for you! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!
The book begins with a short but interesting history of orchids before outlining each kind of orchid describing where to grow each and how to do it as well as beautiful illustrations and photos. I had no idea how broad the range of orchids is and how many stunning variants there are.
Between orchid descriptions are projects and creative ways to display orchids with easy to follow instructions and photos.
The book concludes with tips and a schedule of what to do when, this for me was the most helpful part of the book! It explains a lot of what I should have and shouldn’t have done! Upon finishing the book, a thoroughly enjoyable journey, I feel I’m more able to try again with orchids though I’ll probably target those who can live in the garden rather than needing to be in a pot inside!
If you are looking for more knowledge on orchids, this one is for you! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!
January 21, 2020
I don't think that I will ever be able to grow Orchids, when the flower again for me it is always a miracle. Still this book gave me very good suggestions and there were very beautiful illustrations and some great pics (unluckily they were also very small). So a very good book in the end.
Non credo che saró mai in grado di coltivare orchidee, ogni volta che mi capita che le mie fioriscano di nuovo mi sembra un vero e proprio miracolo; comunque su questo libro ho trovato degli ottimi suggerimenti e una marea di informazioni, oltre a bellissimi disegni e a belle foto, che peró erano veramente troppo piccole, quindi un ottimo manuale nel complesso.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
Non credo che saró mai in grado di coltivare orchidee, ogni volta che mi capita che le mie fioriscano di nuovo mi sembra un vero e proprio miracolo; comunque su questo libro ho trovato degli ottimi suggerimenti e una marea di informazioni, oltre a bellissimi disegni e a belle foto, che peró erano veramente troppo piccole, quindi un ottimo manuale nel complesso.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews