marsh orchids

while the boss was getting excited about this southern marsh orchid, IN A FIELD NEAR YOU! The green sepals pointing up are supposed to look like a bird's wings. This is not really in the known range of the marsh orchids so he may be mistaken.

Anyway, come with us, take a walk, let life in.

spirit of running

Harriet chasing me through the long grass, the spirit of running in my heart.

birthdays

Sally is seven dog years and a bit today.


That sounds quite young to me.

happy 11111/0






lots of love the orchard house mob

don't forget its my birthday very soon and I am expecting lots of presents. Spot.

hawthorn

the hawthorn is out everywhere now. This hedge shrub/tree is regarded with some indifference these days but has a rich and ancient lore attached to it, especially by anglo-saxons. This is covered in detail in Richard Mabey's fantastic book Flora Britannica.

more orchids

another attractive orchid at Beals Mill. I am not sure what this one is, it looks like an early purple orchid but the horn is very long. It could be a hybrid of some sort. Any ideas?

pink purslane

not far from the disappearing river bank, a large patch of pink purslane, campion and ramsons.