EPIPACTIS gigantea. Stream orchid. A hardy orchid found along stream banks and seeps over much of the western U.S. It has profusely branched rhizomes, sending up ever larger quantities of 1½’ to 3’ leafy stems. Each bears in early summer a loose cluster of 1" blossoms combining shades of tan, green, pink, yellow and white. My original plant was one typical of the species, first snatched away as a tiny division from a large creekside clump in Sonoma County. Recently we received a hefty plant of Roger Raiche’s amazing wild selection ‘Serpentine Night’. Nearly all parts of the plant–especially the leaves–are heavily tinged with purple. These are delightful plants for containers. Sun, reasonably well drained soil, regular watering in spring and summer. Hardy to 0^oF. or below.