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Orchids are a vast, diverse and widespread family of plants, but many are under threat in the wild,
specifically in the Cloud Forests of the Andes.

The Orchid Garden is a celebration of these fascinating exotic plants, but also a showcase of native British cultivars that can be incorporated into small space schemes. Tropical species such as Cattleya, Epidendrum and Oncidium are shown in all life stages within a glorious greenhouse, while native British types, including Dactylorhiza fuchsii (common spotted orchid) and D. maculata (heath spotted orchid) are set within characterful dry-stone walls and dotted among wildflower planting.

The garden demonstrates that, although patience and perseverance is needed to understand these special plants, orchids deserve our admiration and protection.

At a glance:

Who is this garden for?
A local resident to Macclesfield who has a passion for orchids and local craft.
Where is the garden set?  
A terraced street on the edge of Macclesfield, Buxton Road.
Who or what is the design inspiration?
Native orchid habitats in South America applied to local native flora and fauna and craft, and making it work in a small terraced garden.

Key sustainability points

• The dry stone wall is reclaimed, as is the York stone flooring.
• The planting outside the greenhouse is all wildflowers and grasses with a native species tree.
• The garden aims to raise awareness of the deforestation and habitat of the Colombian Andes cloud forest, including specific species groups like orchids.

Relocation and repurpose

The garden will be relocated to David Ross Plants.