four orchids and a fun day

the lesser butterfly orchid, iridescent in the morning sun. There were also some greater butterfly orchids in the meadow but they are not yet in flower.

four orchids and a fun day

pink purslane, campion and Spot; a dog in clover

four orchids and a fun day

heath spotted orchid in a field full of yellow rattle. The sky really was an amazing vivid blue (see top left corner). One of four species of orchid we found this morning, of which more later, plus other excitement!

and the yellow or flag iris

and another denizen of damp, shady places, the flag or yellow iris.

wild columbine

the genuine wild columbine (aquilegia vulgaris), growing in a damp shady wood. Usually if you find an aquliegia it is a garden escapee. The flower is mysteriously complicated and exotic, with five long nectar horns

May is out

the hawthorn is out, so out with the clowts/clouts (see link). Classic lane view as well.