May, 1914.] 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



179 



ORCHID HOUSES AT BRACKENHURST. 



IT is nlready we'll known to many that 

 Mr. J. Gurney Fowler has removed to 

 Brackenhurst, Pembury, where amidst 

 charming scenery he has erected a model 

 block of Orchid houses. Our illustrations 

 show a general outside view, and the interior 

 of the corridor as it appeared when the 

 Dendrobiums were in flower during March 

 nnd the enrly part of April. The whole of 

 the brick wall is utilised for the cultivation of 

 these plants, which, by means of suitable wire 

 suspenders, are easily arranged in artistic 

 fashion ; but few amateurs have any idea of 

 the beautiful effect produced by such a mass 

 of bloom. All the popular free flowering 

 kinds are well represented, while the yellow 

 varieties, principally of signatum breed, make 

 a charming contrast. Judging from results 

 obtained elsewhere this method of cultivation 

 brings splendid results, while the plants are 

 easily handled and obtain plenty of light. 

 Suspended from the roof is a Inrge and 



varied collection of Mexican and other sun- 

 loving Orchids. Laelia anceps, as may be 

 expected, are to be seen in countless variety, 

 and there are robust plants of L. Gouldiana 

 and Cattleya citrina. There is an increasing 

 habit of utilising these corridors for the 

 culture of certain Orchids, and the one at 

 Brackenhurst serves as an excellent model. 



At the back of this corridor are the bothies 

 for the gardeners, complete in every way for 

 their comfort, the potting sheds and store 

 places, as well as the large boilers for heating 

 the whole block. Electric light and telephonic 

 communication have been installed. It is 

 worthy of note that the construction of this 

 model place has been entirely done under the 

 careful supervision of Messrs. Armstrong and 

 Brown. 



On the south side of the corridor are seven 

 spacious and well built houses, complete in 

 every way, with rain-water tanks, top and 

 bottom ventilators, ample hot-water piping. 



