UK wild orchids 2013

[Gail]

Bee and pyramidal orchids are locally quite common - indeed some of the road verges near us are stuffed with them. We have a scattering of them in the garden, so although these are garden plants, they are genuinely wild.
 

[SteveC2]

Nearly the end of the season now, but its time to hit the woods in search of helleborines.
First broad leaved and green flowered helleborines, which like so many of the woodland plants really sing out in the low light.
Just wish there weren't so many mosquitoes.

[SteveC2]

And a trip into Leicestershire for a new species for me, the Violet Helleborine.  Some singletons, some small groups and one large clump, but all lovely.

[Maggi Young]

My goodness, these Violet Helleborine are really lovely. Grateful to you for braving the mozzies to share with us, Steve!

[SteveC2]

Just a couple of close ups so you can appreciate them better.

[Maggi Young]

They really are gorgeous -  hardy orchids are just fantastic plants.

[SteveC2]

Final trip of the year, to Lincs / Cambs border in search of Autumn Lady's Tresses Spiranthes spiralis  As soon as I saw sheep in the field I sensed that I was in for a disappointment and sure enough I did not find one single flower spike in the grazed area.  But, the good news is that in a fenced area there were plenty in flower, and having gained permission to enter I was soon snapping away.  Given the raging fen gale I deleted most shots but one or two were passable, thank God for digital cameras.

[Maren]

Hi Steve2,

you were lucky to find the Ladies' Tresses. Did they have any scent?

I just discovered my last Spiranthes sinensis, such a cute little thing, growing in a tiny pot outside my front door. All its brothers flowered a month ago.

Spiranthes sinensis 01 spot the orchid!!!
Spiranthes sinensis 03 closeup with visitors

[SteveC2]

Sorry Maren, I cannot say if the ALTs were scented or not.  It was very, very, windy and I was being very, very careful not to kneel on any of the plants!