At this time of year, when I'm riding, I like to visit the wild orchids which grow in abundance on the Pewsey downs. Today, three of us went in search of bee orchids, which only seem to grow in one area. These fascinating plants have always intrigued me, but it's years since I saw any, before we discovered a small scattering of them last year.
That's all. (The horses were not permitted to eat them.)
They are fascinating indeed, such delicate and rare beauties!
ReplyDeleteI am not entirely sure, but it could be that these are the ones we call Frauenschuh (Ladies' Shoes) in German. Here, they are listed as endangered, and people are not allowed to pick them.
Meike, in the UK the picking of any wild flowers is forbidden as they are all becoming so scarce, thanks to herbicides etc.
DeleteI can see why they are called bee orchids. Never heard of them before.
ReplyDeleteMaggie, they're strangely beautiful. There's something very special about all wild orchids, but these are my favourites.
DeleteI don't think that I have ever seen a be orchid. They are rather fascinating.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I think they like the chalky soil here. Also, the land hasn't been cultivated for centuries, if ever, and I'm, sure that helps.
DeleteLovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be a good year for wild orchids.
It's always a good year here, Patsy. We're very lucky.
DeleteHow incredibly beautiful they are, Frances.
ReplyDeleteJoanna, I think we all felt quite privileged to see them. The fact that there are so few seems to make them more special.
Delete