This is a book for adventurous gardeners with an appreciation for temperate orchid species and native wildflowers. A surprising number of terrestrial orchids are hardy, some able to withstand temperatures down to minus 50and#176;F or minus 45.5and#176;C. Though they have a reputation for being challenging to cultivate, in truth, most hardy orchids are no more so than a rose. This is great news for gardeners, who will enjoy filling their gardens with their enchanting fragrances, vibrant color displays, and long-lived blooms. At the center of the book is a catalog of 103 hardy and half-hardy orchids. In addition to detailing the techniques of cultivation and propagation, the book covers conservation and includes lists of suppliers and organizations offering nursery-propagated plants and#8212; an especially critical issue for species in danger of extinction.

Grown for their fragrance, brilliant color, and longevity, hardy orchids have a reputation for being difficult to cultivate. The author dismantles this myth and teaches readers how anyone can grow these plants with just a few simple techniques. 103 hardy and half-hardy orchids are featured along with cultivation, propagation, and conservation information.

John Tullock is a writer, photographer, orchid fanatic, ichthyologist, and long-time conservationist who has been growing orchids and wildflowers for thirty years. John is an active member of the Nature Conservancy, American Orchid Society, North American Plant Protection Council, and Tennessee Native Plant Society, and until recently operated a mail-order orchid business from his home near Knoxville, Tennessee.