Flower of the day

[blacknest]

Lovely greater spearwort (new for me) ragged robin and impressive water dock (also new) in the pond at Chithurst Buddhist Monatery in West Sussex. Also what seemed to be one of the Marsh Bedstraw group which needs closer investigation.

[treecreeper]

Found six spikes of birds-nest orchid near Abergele in North Wales. Tried to photograph it in the torrential rain but the pictures inevitably didn't come out

[blacknest]

Originally Posted by blacknest

Lovely greater spearwort (new for me) ragged robin and impressive water dock (also new) in the pond at Chithurst Buddhist Monatery in West Sussex. Also what seemed to be one of the Marsh Bedstraw group which needs closer investigation.

I think it is Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre) but might possibly be Sleder Marsh Bedstraw G. Debile it's got the faintest pinkish hue and is quite delicate in habit.

[leifus]

Field gromwell, henbit deadnettle (I see what you mean about it being obvious when you see it ) and rough poppy as well as my first pyramidal and fragrant orchids of 2009

[pleb]

My most interesting find today was a frond of Royal Fern, Osmunda regalis, growing by a roadside at Burrator reservoir, Dartmoor.

[Deer Stalker]

On a quick wander up the New Forest this evening there were loads of Heath Spotted Orchids



Bog Asphodels are just starting to flower



Marsh Helleborines are nearly ready to flower. Also saw Pale Butterwort & Pillwort fern.

[pleb]

Today's flower is Greater Knapweed, Centaurea scabiosa, growing on limestone grassland in Plymouth with Yellow Rattle and Hedge Bedstraw



The Bedstraw, Galium mollugo, is unusual because it is growing in the open, maybe subspecies erectum.

[leifus]

marsh valerian, knapweed broomrape (I see what people mean about how you can tell when you see it!) and heath spotted orchids today

[the young hunter]

Good stuff

Mike

[leifus]

This was meant to go on ages ago but last weekend (30-31 May) was the best orchid experience of my life

On saturday I found both greater butterfly orchids and burnt orchids, as well as some common spotted and fragrant orchids









On sunday I found sword-leaved Helleborine, White helleborine, the hybrid between the two, fly orchid and birdsnest orchid

- hybrid











so, quite a good weekend?!