Admire orchids
This is the golden age for potted orchids such as the Paphiopedilum. We all used to think of these as hothouse prizes, but one of the benefits of central heating is that they can quite easily be grown on a north-facing kitchen windowsill. Pour rainwater weekly through the open compost, and stand the pot on a bed of grit kept moist, although never wet. The flowers command attention, emanating an alluring, foreign beauty, and occur about now, for a fortnight or more, making an unbeatable centrepiece for the breakfast table.
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
