Thank you, you lovely colonials
Currently outdoors is possible, and I do regularly visit this site
Hardy Orchid Nursery for a little inspiration. Have heard of at least one person locally who has apparently had success with a Cypripedium growing freely in their back yard, yet I cannot confirm this absolutely and plants of this type can be pricey if you want a good strong specimen. Although the one I have always had my eye on has come down in price over the past few years. Cypripedium calceolus... May risk it this year or next though.
Have tried an Ophrys apifera, and even didn't disturb it sheltered plant spot when it didn't grow (they can be dormant for a couple of years), but alas it's never come back. It has been too long now to hope for the best.
My home is well insulated, so temps inside can be rather warm.
This is the only weather record I can find that is close by, but it must be said Blackpool does tend to have slightly worse weather even though it is so close.
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/w...mate/gctcg0bgk
Currently lacking a suitable greenhouse and wont ever risk buying one of those tent greenhouses ever again. The last one was weighted down with heavy garden stones but still got ripped from it's base and flung across the backyard by the wind. The metal was quite literally torn. Don't worry, no Orchids died, it was for Tomatoes and other edibles.
Will definitely be looking into more Oncidiums, Paphs and Coelogyne.
You have all given me some good places to start narrowing my searches down, and things to consider.
Now go treat yourselves!
That's an order and you deserve it!
PS: Just discovered that my Osmoglossum pulchellum, which I had just about written off (thus not added to the list of survivors) is producing new growth! Happy Days
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