Develop your knowledge of orchids, their culture and uses. Get the broad picture of what orchids are all about and learn how to improve your results and grow flowers which will be the envy of all who see them.

This course has been developed by John Mason (author of Growing Orcjhids, published by Hyland House), widely regarded as a leader in Horticultural Learning in Australia.

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
2. Orchid Culture
3. Propagation
4. Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums
5. Cattleyas, Vandas and Other Commonly Grown Orchids
6. Native Orchids
7. Growing Orchids as Cut Flowers, Baskets, Epiphytes and in Greenhouses.
8. Special Assignment

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Understand the system of plant classification and naming
• Explain appropriate way to grow a range of different orchid species.
• Describe common methods of Orchid Propagation
• Understand the basics of the structure, taxonomy and culture of Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums
• Describe the identification and culture of some of the more commonly grown orchids apart from Dendrobiums and Cattleyas
• Describe the identification and culture of some of orchids native to your locality or region.
• Describe a range of alternative ways in which to grow orchids
• Research commercial orchid growing

• Compile a resource file or organisations and information sources relevant to orchids.
• Obtain and orchid flower; draw and label this flower.
• Review 56 different orchid species in detail.
• Obtain soil from two different areas (two different types of soils). Using the tests in the Lesson notes, do the following, name each of these soils and test the drainage of each soil.
• Obtain (or make up) a potting mix which you consider appropriate for growing orchids.
• Visit a nursery or garden growing orchids. Notice how and where these plants are growing.
• Determine which plants are healthiest and assess the conditions in which they are growing.
• Obtain enough plant material to propagate four different orchids. Propagate these orchids vegetatively.
• Visit a nursery, or some other place which sells a wide range of different types of pots.