Erica Hannickel

Even a novice orchid grower or collector, or admirer will enjoy these stories centered primarily on famous people's association with orchids. My favorite chapters include Darwin, the Imperial Dowager Empress of China, Edmond Albius, who advanced the growing of vanilla, and particularly the surprise encounters with Jane Loudon (husband of the well known John Claudius Loudon), the Roebling family, and Raymond Burr! The balance between fascinating stories, details concerning individual species and varieties, and growing instructions makes for a fast and enjoyable read. It even touches on my favorite painter, Martin Johnson Heade.

So many small discoveries here about the history of orchid cultivation. If you have never read about the first orchid show(s) in New York City in the 19th century, this account will fascinate you.… (mais)