It might sound surprising, but there are quite a few orchids that can be grown in the garden, planted in normal garden soil. While most of us think of orchids as epiphytic, there are many terrestrial (growing in soil) orchid species around the world as well, and in South Africa there are more of the indigenous terrestrial orchids than epiphytes.
How to grow orchids in garden beds
First, select a good spot for the specific plants that you would like to grow. Certain ground orchids prefer more shade, while others require bright light and even full sun to grow well and prosper. It’s best to plant ground orchids in soil that is reasonably well drained (although Bletilla striata will grow in clay soil). Prepare the soil by digging it over, making sure to add lots of compost and even dig in some leaf litter from the previous autumn. This will help with added organic matter and improve the soil’s drainage.
As patio plants
The plants listed below will also make excellent plants for the patio if potted in suitable pots in a good potting medium. Unlike other orchids that must not stand in water, these can even have a small drip dray at the base of the pot for a bit of extra moisture.
Which orchids can be grown in garden soil?
Bletilla striata
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Esta historia es de la edición July 2017 de The Gardener.
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FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.
