In defense of orchids, four hundred volunteers are studying how to save these fragile flowers.

ORCHID GROWING COURSE

Help save a flower as beautiful as it is delicate. Around four hundred volunteers have begun their first courses to learn how to care for orchids thanks to LIFEorchids , the most important repopulation project in Italy, coordinated by the University of Turin and Legambiente , and co-funded by the European Union . During these lessons, open to everyone, even those who aren't particularly green-fingered, we return to school to apply the concepts learned in the garden . The subject of study is the physiology of orchids, a true masterpiece of nature. Those who participate in the courses are also invited to offer a small corner of their garden to host a few plants.

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LIFEORCHIDS

LIFEorchids is a European project for the conservation of orchids and their habitats in northwestern Italy. The initiative will last five years and is coordinated by Mariangela Girlanda of the University of Turin. The project's primary goal is to expand the area of ​​semi-natural dry grasslands, which represent ideal habitat for orchids. These flowers, experts point out, are currently among the most threatened plant communities in Europe , due to their intrinsic sensitivity to land-use changes. To help save them, LIFEorchids, in addition to training volunteers, is proceeding with the selective removal of trees, shrubs, and invasive alien species, as well as the planting of characteristic native species. To ensure the success of the initiative, a series of agreements were also signed for the protection of the territory, with the creation of “ orchid micro-reserves ” (OMRs) in selected areas of the Portofino Park in Liguria and the Po River Protected Areas in Piedmont.

LEGAMBIENTE ORCHIDS

The project is coordinated by Legambiente Lombardia, which relies on both volunteer garden owners and those who, even without a small plot, volunteer for the love of these flowers. The project already has 500 hectares in Piedmont and Liguria, mostly dedicated to orchids. This is a demanding undertaking that will require everyone's help: in the most challenging cases, volunteers will be required to learn the technique of artificial pollination. This stage of orchid reproduction is particularly challenging, which is why human assistance is essential. This support can still be provided; registration for the courses, which will be held at the University of Turin, is still open.

The photo in the text is taken from the Facebook page Progetto LIFEorchids

HOW TO GROW FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN OR ON THE BALCONY:

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