Orchid masterclass on DVD

A new DVD has been launched which shares the very special expertise of Peter Timoney, Head Gardener at Scone Palace in Perthshire.

Peter, who helped establish the world renowned private orchid collection at Scone Palace, seat of the Earls of Mansfield, was encouraged by Lord Mansfield’s enthusiasm for orchids when he became Head Gardener in 1985. The collection is now internationally treasured and Peter’s expertise has been a vital resource in establishing one of the largest private collections in Britain.

With over 20 years know-how at his fingertips, Peter has been rewarded many times over with the Earl’s collection, including a silver medal for their display at the World Orchid Conference in 1993. He has also won first prize and Best in Show at the Glasgow Orchid fair in both 2003 and 2007. In 2007 he was awarded the RHS Certificate of Cultural Commendation.

Peter admits that he had always been interested in orchids but when he arrived at Scone Palace and inherited 150 - mostly Cymbidiums and Odontoglossums - that really set the seal on his fascination and enthusiasm. So what does fascinate him about these beautiful plants? “The never ending colours, shapes and the tricks to fool insects to pollinate them,” he explains.

He stresses how easy orchids are to grow despite the common misconception that they are in fact difficult plants to rear: “Most orchids are easy to grow and flower if you give them the right conditions. My tips would be to go along to the local orchid group meetings, and talk to other growers there, as they will have a wealth of knowledge. This can help you to avoid some of the pitfalls, but my best tip - is to buy my DVD!”

His favourite orchids include Coeogyne cristata, from the Himalayas; Dendrobium thyrsilorum and Brassolaeliocattleya.

Peter gives regular talks to Orchid Societies and horticultural groups and is also a popular voice on the radio. His idea for the DVD came about as a result of all the many questions he keeps being asked about their cultivation. He found that some of the dedicated books show perfect plants but don’t tackle the problem side of growing and keeping orchids.

He explains: “While working on another project, I was talking to Stewart Campbell of Tigershark TV, based in Edinburgh, and he suggested we make a DVD to help the thousands of Orchid lovers to choose and look after their plants. I am more than happy with the professional result for the DVD, and have received excellent feedback from the orchid world about it.”

Through the DVD gardeners everywhere will have access to his knowledge and will be able to absorb his information for themselves. The DVD will certainly give a lot of answers to posers such as: how to choose the right orchid, where to place them, how to encourage flowering and what to do when you go on holiday.

The Master Classes covered in the DVD include: how to re-pot, treating sick or neglected plants, the basics of compost, native environments, structure and propagation.

Peter continues: “For those who love orchids as I do it is essential to understand how to get the very best from their plants, as only that way can they give real pleasure to the grower and their family. We have produced this easy to watch DVD to do just that.”

The DVD is on sale at £14.95 and can be ordered from www.anorchidkingdom.co.uk