Monday 6 June 2011

Heath Spotted Orchids in a New Forest Glade

The Heath Spotted Orchids are back again. A few days ago I walked up to the secret glade where they flower every year. There are fewer this summer, maybe due to the dry spring.
This colony grows among grasses and young bracken fronds on the acidic, sandy New Forest heathland. It is sheltered by gorse bushes and is far enough from the path to avoid being trampled by people, ponies or dogs.




8 comments:

crafty cat corner said...

Wow, the pattern on the orchid is so beautiful, and I am so glad they are in a protected spot.
You live in such a lovely part of the country. My eldest son used to live on the edge of the forest and Mr.T and myself took a long cycle ride through part of it once.
Thanks also for taking a look at my embroidery, I haven't blogged for a while and didn't expect any one to be out there. lol
Briony
x

Angie said...

I have never seen those before ...a stunning plant.

rachel said...

Gosh, aren't they exquisite!

WOL said...

Beautiful!

Kath said...

Just exquisite.
Those patterns could have been drawn by hand, they are so delicate.

Bovey Belle said...

They're so pretty and of course, remind me of home! That reminds me, I need to try and fit some regular walking in again.

Rowan said...

These are so beautiful, the prettiest wild orchid I've seen.

Crafty Green Poet said...

what beautiful photos, gorgeous orchids! I'm waiting for the common spotted orchids to show along the river here