100 BRITISH FLORAL DECORATION 



I do not care to see them mixed with any flowers 

 except Lily of the Valley or Lilac. It is strange 

 that Orchids, which are more or less exotic, should 

 go so well with two such simple flowers, but 

 I have repeatedly proved that they do. I know 

 of no more beautiful bouquet for a bride or 

 debutante than one composed of Odontoglossum 

 crispum and Lilies of the Valley, and no more 

 exquisite posy, provided it matches the colour of 

 the gown, can be made than one of white or pale 

 mauve Lilac and Cattleyas. 



There are many people who labour under the 

 impression that Orchids cannot be grown success- 

 fully without tropical heat, whereas in reality many 

 of them, and the most beautiful of them too, will 

 thrive in a temperate greenhouse. It is true they 

 cannot be grown in a general house, as the humid 

 atmosphere they require would not be suitable for 

 the plants usually grown in conservatories, but they 

 can be done quite well in a fernery, and ferns will 

 be found most helpful in making an Orchid-house 

 presentable, as there are few Orchids that can boast 

 of being either decorative or ornamental until they 

 are in flower. 



At the great flower shows throughout the country 

 the competitive prizes for decorative work are in 



