The purpose of this section is to provide some broad advice regarding which countries, and the regions within them that offer significant opportunities in the search for and discovery of orchids, with emphasis given to Spring and early Summer species.

As mentioned earlier, precise locations are not revealed, though we hope sufficient detail is offered to reward the orchid enthusiast. We include lists of species that are known to be present in the area under discussion but we should perhaps acknowledge the possibility that there may be errors. The text on this site has been written by us, most of the descriptions being based on our own observations with details added from a range of sources. We have tried to be informative and accurate but there will inevitably be mistakes for which we apologise. One of the primary sources of error is not necessarily misidentification but confusion as to the correct nomenclature of a species about which experts have differing views. Where possible taxons are listed according to our own studies and the seemingly most popular or widely held professional view.

Orchids can be found somewhere in Europe almost throughout the year but the most productive period is unsurprisingly Spring and Summer, with southern Mediterranean regions such as Crete and Sicily producing orchids soon after or even before Christmas. In Scandinavia and the Alps the season begins in May and as the snows recede, progresses through the summer into October. It is rarely possible to spend a couple of weeks away and hope to see all the species known to grow in the area. This is another reason to research as thoroughly as possible flowering periods of individual species, selecting an optimum time for your visit that gives you the best opportunity to discover you target species

Both John and I very much hope this gazetteer is helpful and wish you success with your trip.