IN THE GARDEN
1 Divide and replant snowdrops after flowering, ie in the green. 2 Finish mulching flower and vegetable beds to deter weeds and retain moisture. 3 Cut back late-flowering Clematis , eg viticella group. 4 Sow tender tomatoes and chillies (which will require a long growing season) in a heated propagator or on a windowsill. 5 Prune Buddleja and ornamental elders ( Sambucus ) to the base to encourage a compact habit. Gardening jobs for February
6 Cut back ornamental grasses.
HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, ORCHID The Cymbidium erythraeum (pictured here) and Phalaenopsis or moth orchid (bottom)
long proboscis, was identified as the pollinator of this plant. Both of these orchids have a fragrance that is attractive to humans. Bulbophyllum fletcherianum , on the other hand, has a malodorous scent that helps it attract pollinating blow flies and carrion beetles in its native New Guinea. This species has a flower cluster up to 30cm across, consisting of 30 individual hooded, deep purple flowers, and is one of the largest orchids, with leaves reaching up to 1.8m in length. In contrast, the Bulbophyllum subpatulum from New Guinea is tiny, with yellow or yellow-brown flowers up to 5mm in diameter and leaves of only 5cm in With such an array of flower shapes, forms and colours , it’s easy to understand why the orchid family inspires so many
length. You need to keep your eyes peeled to spot this one in our tropical houses. Feeling inspired? This is only a taster of the orchid family, but with such an array of flower shapes, forms and colours, it’s easy to understand why so many are inspired to specialise in cultivating this fascinating family.
Some are easy to grow, while others may present greater challenges, but if you are inspired to extend your horticultural boundaries, a visit to the glasshouses at the Botanic Garden will provide plenty of orchid inspiration. Meanwhile, organisations such as the Cambridge Orchid Society can offer advice to both novices and experts alike.
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