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Photo - David Jones
Libby Cameron talks to David Jones about his love of orchids and his book, 'Starting Out with Orchids'.
Tell us about your home garden
We have five acres, with about two acres devoted to garden. There are five rockeries, and more are planned. Most of the block is planted with native trees
and shrubs to attract the birds. Although I have specialised in the study of Australian native plants most of my life, I am a plant collector interested
in a wide range of subjects.
So your passion goes beyond orchids?
Yes I have an abiding passion for all plants. I have been collecting bulbs for about 50 years. I am also keen on cacti, especially epiphytic cacti such
as Epiphyllums and succulents, especially Aloes. Bulbs and succulents blend well with rocks.
Photo - David Jones
Does your family share your passion?
Yes, my wife Barbara is also a trained horticulturist and passionate about plants and creating her own plant embroidery designs.
What advice would you give a person who has been given an orchid as a gift?
Enjoy it. Don’t be anxious because it is an orchid. Orchids are just a specialised group of plants many of which are extremely easy to grow. If you are
bitten by a desire to learn more then join a local orchid group or buy a good basic book such as my ‘Starting Out With Orchids’!
Starting Out with Orchids, by David L. Jones.
This straightforward little book demystifies orchid growing for all those gardeners who get nervous around orchids. The chapter on Easy Orchids for Beginners
makes it clear that beginners need not constrain themselves to Crucifix orchids and Cymbidiums. For example, the lovely Coelogyne cristata,
from the Himalayas, is easy to grow in cool temperate regions to 5ºC. It flowers best after a cold winter, producing large scented white flowers in
spring. The second part of the book features ‘orchid eye candy’ to whet the appetite for starting a real collection, as well as the information to
make that dream a reality.
Published by New Holland rrp $29.95
Text: Libby Cameron
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