spring in the orchid meadow

Primroses in the orchid meadow

The appearance of primrose flowers in our small orchid meadow shows us that Spring is very definitely here. While the eye is captivated by the flowers, it is all those small dicotyledon seedlings which are of particular interest to us at this time of year. Besides the usual range of clovers and buttercups there are also the tell tale signs of nature's lawnmower, Yellow Rattle.

Yellow Rattle seedling

Right in the middle of the photograph above is a new seedling of Yellow Rattle. This is the best control of grass I know. It is sometimes described as semi-parasitic on grasses and although it will grow on its own, it prefers to tap the roots of grass. When it does that the grass has a very much restricted growth. This is so much better than clearing a patch of ground and seeding it with wildflowers. If you do that the balance will be all over the place and what grows and establishes will be a kind of strange mixture of what should and should not grow together. I suppose it appeals to the instant gardener to do it that way, but it is so much better to keep the orchid growing area in balance by providing a normal process of biological control. We intend to start providing Yellow Rattle seed for sale next year when we have a plentiful supply from our own plants.

This year saw a large production of sycamore seed and we constantly keep our eyes peeled for the seedlings as they pop up in place we don't want them.

Our orchids are all growing well and we should have Green Winged plants for sale very soon.