Country diary: Why are orchids so mysterious and coveted? It all starts underground The author embraced a ‘no mow’ approach to gardening, which led to the discovery of spotted orchids on their property. The text explains the orchid’s symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which is crucial for seed germination and early growth. This hidden underground development contributes to the orchid’s reputation for mystery and the excitement of finding them.

• The author’s ‘no mow’ garden revealed spotted orchids, a common but exciting find.
• Orchids rely on mutualistic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi for survival.
• Orchid seeds lack food reserves and require fungi to infect them and provide nutrients.
• The underground development of orchids, involving fungi and root structures, can take years before a shoot appears.
• This prolonged hidden life contributes to the orchid’s reputation for mystery.