Totally Tulips
Written by Matt Damsker and illustrated by Carolyn Vibbert, this book was published in 1996. It provides more information on Tulips than many other garden books. I particularly found the history of the tulip fascinating. An excellent discussion of the varieties of tulips available today is also included. Many cultivars tend to develop smaller flowers and disappear after a few years. To avoid this problem, the author suggests buying those developed for naturalizing or sold as perennials. Once you have selected the varieties you want to grow, the author provides details on everything from planting them to critter control. He also suggests several ways of combining tulips with other garden plants to make the most of your space. Lastly, Damsker talks about forcing tulips for the indoors and provides information on planting a tulip garden similar to that of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Totally Orchids
Totally Orchids was written by Rob Cardillo and illustrated by Carolyn Vibbert and published in 1996. In the introduction, Cardillo states:
Among the greatest myths are that orchids are expensive to buy, difficult to grow, and need expert greenhouse care. Not any more. If you can raise African violets or maintain a tropical fish tank, you should have few problems growing and enjoying orchids wherever you live. [page 7]
According to Cardillo, Orchids were not common in cultivation even for the rich until the Victorian times. At this point, countless acres of rain forest were destroyed by collectors trying to gather every plant of a species so they could hold an exclusive market. Since the Europeans put them in heated greenhouses, most collected species died. It took years of experimenting to learn the conditions under which orchids would grow and how they could be propagated successfully..
The history of orchids is followed by sections on their botany and growing requirements. I find it incredible that the author claims they are as easy to grow as African violets. Read this book and some others before deciding to invest in orchids or you may be disappointed with the results.
The section entitled Using Orchids discusses how to use orchids as fresh cut flowers. The author also gives instructions for creating and the care of orchid corsages. He even includes a brief paragraph about photographing orchids.
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