Has anyone read the book Orchid Fever: A Horticultural Tale of Love, Lust, and Lunacy? I picked it up at the library and it is truly a good book. I am not an orchid grower, but I appreciate the vastness of the species, the beauty of the flowers, and the care necessary in growing these plants. That being said, this book is truly fascinating. The author, Eric Hansen, conducted research and interviews over seven years to put this account of the orchid world into text. So far I have read a lot about supposed "orchid pirates," CITES, and all sorts of crazy stories about growers and sellers and their experiences in the orchid world.
Sometimes it's hard to remember that this is a factual tale, with all the crazed characters and their bizarre stories. So far the author has traveled to various exotic locales and traversed rugged terrain to locate the legendary Paphiopedilum sanderianum. Some of the descriptions leave me so mystified and awestruck. I can only imagine actually experience some of these events.
I'm really looking forward to reading more about the dirty underbelly of the orchid world. I think the characters are really what make this book. Anyways, I would love to hear other thoughts on this book if anyone else has read it. Otherwise, you have my personal recommendation to pick this book up if you are an orchid fanatic or a casual grower.
This book makes me want to devote my life to the orchid world and be one of these crazed orchid lunatics!
xvart.
Sometimes it's hard to remember that this is a factual tale, with all the crazed characters and their bizarre stories. So far the author has traveled to various exotic locales and traversed rugged terrain to locate the legendary Paphiopedilum sanderianum. Some of the descriptions leave me so mystified and awestruck. I can only imagine actually experience some of these events.
I'm really looking forward to reading more about the dirty underbelly of the orchid world. I think the characters are really what make this book. Anyways, I would love to hear other thoughts on this book if anyone else has read it. Otherwise, you have my personal recommendation to pick this book up if you are an orchid fanatic or a casual grower.
This book makes me want to devote my life to the orchid world and be one of these crazed orchid lunatics!
xvart.