<Orchid News>

Read on for…shows and events around the country and at the nursery this month, seasonal growing tips, special offers, plants in bud and new additions.

We all need cheering up at this time of the year and what better way than to treat those nearest to you with lovely orchids! Better still, treat yourself!

We have a range of beginner's orchids especially for those who are just starting out. They are easy to grow in the home and suit the warmth indoors as well as having very long-lasting flowers.

For those of you already bitten by the orchid bug then extend your collection with something a bit different: unusual species and hybrids to tempt the enthusiast.

In addition to all the super plants available we also offer a wide range of accessories to help grow and enjoy your orchids more. Including books, new and second-hand, a DVD, fertiliser, colourful pots, calendars, decorative mugs plus more...!

If you still can't decide then let us help you, simply contact us to discuss your requirements and we will be pleased to offer suggestions and advice.

Our last despatch day for Christmas will be Thursday 20th December when we will be only using the 'Before 12 noon' service to try to avoid late or undelivered parcels. Any order received after this date will be automatically sent when despatch starts again on Wednesday 2nd January (weather permitting).

On Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th December we will be holding a special Christmas Open Weekend at the nusery with loads of orchids on offer as specially selected gifts and lots of additional gift ideas. Free give-aways too!

If that's not enough to tempt you then how about a glass of seasonal sherry and a home-made hot mince pie!! (only available on sunday)

We still have a selection of one-off secondhand orchid books for sale at the moment. All are in good condition of various ages and subjects plus a couple of new ones too. Check out the full list in the book section of the online shop. Order fast as they are all individuals and may sell quickly!

If you have been inspired by orchids over Christmas then why not come along to the first of our 2008 Orchid Workshops at the nusery. It is on Sunday 27th January and is FREE! The Beginners' talk and demonstration starts at 2pm and is an ideal introduction to these wonderful plants and how to start growing them.

Please find all our new 2008 Nursery Events listed on the events page or click here to view the pdf programme.

If you are in the area of The Wirral on the 19th & 20th January 2008 then why not come along to the Orchid Festival at Gordale Garden Centre. This annual event is as popular as ever with lots of orchids on display from local orchid societies and botanical institutions as well as 3 top British nurseries, including ourselves of course! Entrance is FREE, with FREE parking and 3 FREE demonstrations each day. Mark it in the diary now for next year!

Jobs for December

The dull days can be a problem at this time of year and this can cause concern for orchids that are making their flower buds especially the cymbidiums. These orchids should be left out in the cool greenhouse or conservatory until the buds have opened and the flowers set. If they are moved whilst in bud from a cool, light position to a relatively dark and warm place in the home there is a danger that the buds may drop and this is the last thing you want after waiting all year for the flowers.

Giving maximum light to the plants in winter is essential in this country where our winters can be very overcast. Artificial light should not really be necessary but could certainly help if you are growing in a very dark area. The light bulbs can be used to supplement the available daylight and/or extend the hours of daylight. Either way, you don't want to give them too much or else you may upset their natural seasonal rhythm, which is after all perfectly natural.

Always use light bulbs which have the full spectrum of light, ordinary house bulbs do not give off the UV rays which the plants need. The best places to buy these are tropical fish shops as they often have them over the aquariums.

Continue with the guidelines given last month for resting the orchids and take care over the holiday period, if you should go away and leave the plants, that enough heat is provided for them whilst you are away.

Diary Dates for 2008

Here are some dates of special orchid events happening next year all around the UK in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...

We have been putting on a special orchid day at this nursery and garden centre near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire for several years now and usually it is in the autumn. Due to other commitments for us and them, we have decided to have a change this year and will be holding the event next February instead on Saturday 16th February 2008, watch this space for more details later.

On Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April 2008 we will be abck in Dublin for the 7th fair at Glasnevin Botanic Gardens for this great event in a superb setting. There will be loads of orchids for sale from both us and Deva Orchids of Chester with talks and demonstrations on both days. Entrance and talks are FREE!

Keep Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April 2008 free if you live in Scotland as that will be the next super Glasgow Orchid Fair. In the now beautifully refurbished Kibble Palace at Glasgow Botanical Gardens, this FREE event has loads to offer for any orchid enthusiast or beginner.

To celebrate the new tropical house opened at the gardens this year, a spectacular orchid show will be held on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th September 2008. More news nearer the time.

To celebrate the Devon Orchid Society's 50th Anniversary on Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October 2008.

ORCHID NEWS