100 Orchids for the American Gardener (Smith & Hawken)

Following the striking format of 100 English Roses for the American Garden, here is both a how-to book and a stunningly photographed field guide. Beginning with the one persistent myth surrounding orchids (that they-re difficult to grow) and debunking it thoroughly, Mr. McDonald describes potting mediums, water and air needs, light and lack of light, how to create an orchid garden, and troubleshooting. From there the book introduces 100 dazzling varieties and explains how to raise and care for them, from popular cattleyas and phalaenopsis to hauntingly beautiful ascocendas, charming miltoniopsis, or pansy orchids, vandas and oncidiums.