ATTENTION PERENNIAL GARDENERS!!! WILD ORCHIDS WILL GROW IN YOUR GARDEN!  When most outdoor gardeners hear “orchid” they automatically think of the tropical species which require a greenhouse or indoor growing. But there is a whole class of orchids known as “hardy terrestrial orchids."  These exotic perennials actually survive and thrive in soil and in temperate to more frigid climates.  Some of them even require temperatures at or below freezing for several months each year to maintain proper growth, much like tulips or daffodils.  Many gardeners are surprised to learn that these exotic  plants can not only survive, but thrive… even in northern climates. So, no matter where you live, a beautiful collection of wild orchids could be the next amazing addition to your own outdoor perennial garden!    This is not to say that terrestrial orchids can be planted anywhere and expected to grow.   To be successful, it is absolutely necessary to plan ahead and prepare a site to meet the specific requirements for these native orchid species to flourish.  But, if you are searching for a simple way to add more exotic garden flowers to your perennial garden, look no further!  At the Wild Orchid Company, we are committed not only to raising awareness of these wild orchids that WILL grow in your perennial garden, but showing you exactly what it will take to grow these terrestrial orchids successfully.    In addition to the ethical production and sales of hardy terrestrial orchids for the perennial garden, the Wild Orchid Company is dedicated to educating the public about these exotic perennials.  We have literally “written the book” that shows the perennial gardener how to successfully grow and enjoy these exotic wildflowers.  Not to be confused with the average gardening book, The Gardeners Guide to Growing Hardy Perennial Orchids employs artfully arranged full-color pictures and “how to” education to dispel the myth that wild orchids can only be grown in tropical conditions.  The Wild Orchid Company is committed to bringing these wild orchids to perennial gardens all over the world.  The exciting truth is that perennial orchids can be used by any outdoor gardener in a variety of ways, which could range from integral parts of a woodland garden, to simple yet showy standouts in a backyard, pond or bog garden. The extensive variety of colors and distinctive appearances of hardy orchids provides a plethora of choices for any gardener.  You can choose all white collection of Egret Flowers, white Chinese hardy orchids, Ladies tresses or even white Showy Lady’s Slippers to create an elegant white flower farm, or plant a few  of every color to cultivate a rainbow flower farm.  Whether referred to as wild orchids, hardy orchids, terrestrial orchids or exotic perennials, these wildflowers are plant delights for any perennial enthusiast.  In our own exotic perennial gardens, we are currently producing a number of perennial orchid species such as several Lady’s- Slipper species (Cypripedium),  Calanthe species, Grass Pink (Calopogon),  Rose Pogonia (Pogonia),  Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes), Hardy Chinese Orchid ( Bletilla), Egret Flower ( Pectelis [Habenaria]) and more. See the full list here.  Our focus is on cultivating an assortment of upland and wetland terrestrial orchid species which can add an exotic flair to any perennial garden.   Hardy terrestrial orchids can be a beautiful, exotic, and easily maintained addition to your garden, if you are willing to pay attention to the guidelines and carefully prepare the soil before planting.  But, there is no reason to go through the frustration of ongoing “trial and error” with these beautiful and exotic perennials.   The Wild Orchid Company supplies detailed instructions for each species to help insure you have a successful and rewarding gardening experience.   Generally speaking, the most important requirement for these terrestrial orchids is good internal soil drainage, which in most cases requires excavation and the addition of a very sandy premixed soil in a raised bed manner. Sand and/or Perlite™ are the key ingredients to achieving good drainage.   Soil moisture requirements vary among wild orchid species, and the addition of good leaf compost increases the moisture holding capacity which is necessary for these exotic perennials to thrive.   The compost also gives the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. All perennial orchids grow better with low mineral and well aerated water, i.e. rainwater.   Orchids have very low nutrient requirements, and do not tolerate high nutrient fertilizers. The addition of a good leaf or bark compost to the soil mix is sufficient to supply necessary nutrients.  The use of reduced strength fertilizers is sometimes necessary, but only at about 20 -25% of the rate recommended for most flowering plants. Wild orchids can provide an exceptional and exotic addition to your perennial garden.  But be forewarned:  These remarkable and rare wildflowers are sure to incite the curiosity and interest of your friends and neighbors.   Think of how impressed they will be when you say, “Oh, of course I grow orchids in my garden.  It’s easy!”  And imagine how much fun you’ll have in the process.  After all, that’s what gardening is truly all about.