Reference Book / Gift

[daphne belle]

Dennis,
Could you recommend a good source/reference book to give as a gift to
a "budding" orchid grower?...novice level...but enthusiastic! Thanks,
Daphne

[orchid doctor]

Dear Daphne:

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you.

There are a number of books out there for new orchid growers, many of
which I have not had the chance to check out. The old classic is Home
Orchid Growing by Rebecca Tyson Northern. Last revised in 1990, it is
still a valuable book for the depth it goes into about cultural
techniques. The section about pesticides is outdated, as the products
on the market have changed, but most of the rest of the information is
good. This could be found at large used book stores, and though still
available new, is rather expensive.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids, out in both paperback and
hard cover is a great introduction to the family. It starts with a
very basic explanation of culture, botany and taxonomy and than has a
good selection of pictures with additional information specific to the
many genera and species covered. Botanica's Orchids is a smaller
format paperback that is jam packed with pictures and information (it
was the book that finally made me realize i needed reading glasses).
It also covers both species and some hybrids. It is however a very
poorly constructed book, and mine fell apart within a year.

The New Encyclopedia of Orchids 1500 Species in Cultivation By Isobyl
la Croix has received mixed reviews, with some thinking it is very
poorly researched. I have not looked through it so cannot say what i
think of it personally.

Finally there is "Orchids for Dummies", part of that whole series of
"For Dummies" books. I loathe the format and tone of these books so
have not opened this one up to look at it. But from what i have heard,
if you like the format, you will like this book, if you have disliked
those in the series (Excel for Dummies, E-bay for dummies, Bartending
for Dummies, and so on) you have seen, you will also dislike this. The
man who wrote it has flawless credentials.

There is also membership in the American Orchid Society, with its
monthly magazine, "Orchids". This is a great periodical for beginners,
and membership gives access to the entirety of their website, which is
a good resource.

Sincerely,
Dennis