A glimpse of the tropics.

When, in another life, we lived and worked in the Fijis, we would, on a particularly hot and humid day, yearn for just a few minutes on the cliffs at Newburgh in the teeth of a freezing gale blowing in from the sea. Today, with the sleet falling and the snow clouds gathering we yearn for just a few minutes swimming with the fish through the coral heads, or enjoying the orchids in the rainforest. The coral reef is out of the question but thanks to the efforts of the horticulturalists we can enjoy the orchids.

Once the preserve of those few who were rich enough to afford a heated orchid house, these hardy tropical wonders are now cheap and readily available and can be enjoyed by all. Best enjoyed using my naturalist's hand-lens.