Country Diary: The Mystery and Allure of Orchids in a Derbyshire Garden

Country diary: Why are orchids so mysterious and coveted? It all starts underground | Mark Cocker

Hogshaw, Derbyshire: We’re up to 27 spotted orchids in our garden, and every one is a miracle When we moved to this house, we didn’t need the encouragement of No Mow May – the ecological campaign advocating restraint in the garden. Our old lawnmower was designed to tackle your average handkerchief and leaving nine-tenths of the new place uncut was a matter of necessity as much as self-control. The highlight of last year’s non-labouring efforts addressed directly the whole meaning of no-mow ga...

By Mark Cocker