This is the time of year to think forward. My favourite species, the Common Spotted orchid, is a springtime delight. As soon the leaves start coming through with their unique pattern of spots and stripes they proclaim 'Here we are, back again to make you smile.' The one above was flowering for the first time in 2017, in amongst Bloody Cranesbill on a raised flowerbed. Grown from seed it was chronologically three years old, but because of the way we grow our plants it was in fact five growing seasons old. This delightful plant, along with our other garden orchids will be flowering and seeding for many years to come not that they are all established.
The same situation is true for our meadow, which is a very much larger project. It will take a lot longer and many more plants to produce an established colony than it has done in our garden. It really does not matter how long it takes, the important thing is that it will be done. If, as I described on the Home Page, there has been a massive decline in flying insects the more I can do to help out the better. Make no mistake about this, if there are no flying insects there will be no apples, pears, plums, well fruit in general. We will be increasing our recolonization with Fragrant Orchids, Gymnadenia conopsea, as this species seems to be particularly attractive to butterflies and bees.
So although we currently only have Common Spotted orchids for sale on the Plants For Sale page, nextyear the range will be expanding. This, as ever, depends on the overwinter survival of the seedlings in pots, but introduction of a new greenhouse should ensure we have a good range for you next year.
In the meantime, enjoy contemplating the pleasures of new growth next year and look after your plants, you can be proud of your help in conserving our native orchids.
The same situation is true for our meadow, which is a very much larger project. It will take a lot longer and many more plants to produce an established colony than it has done in our garden. It really does not matter how long it takes, the important thing is that it will be done. If, as I described on the Home Page, there has been a massive decline in flying insects the more I can do to help out the better. Make no mistake about this, if there are no flying insects there will be no apples, pears, plums, well fruit in general. We will be increasing our recolonization with Fragrant Orchids, Gymnadenia conopsea, as this species seems to be particularly attractive to butterflies and bees.
So although we currently only have Common Spotted orchids for sale on the Plants For Sale page, nextyear the range will be expanding. This, as ever, depends on the overwinter survival of the seedlings in pots, but introduction of a new greenhouse should ensure we have a good range for you next year.
In the meantime, enjoy contemplating the pleasures of new growth next year and look after your plants, you can be proud of your help in conserving our native orchids.
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