I don’t know how many wild orchids bloom around the Lake, but I have managed to photograph seven different local species. The first to appear each year, sometime in May, is the Fairy Slipper (Calypso bulbosa). This one was spotted about a week earlier than those of other years. With luck, this will be a good year for wild orchids—it is a beauteous beginning.
This photo brings back so many wonderful memories of childhood meanderings at one of the old Kootenay mine sites in the 50’s. Patches were closely guarded secrets, even then. Thanks for all your wonderful photos, I enjoy these treasures that come to my inbox!
Sheila, ah yes, closely guarded secrets. And there is justification for it. Last year, someone told me where to find a spotted coralroot, but by the time I got there to take its picture, someone else had picked it. Picking a wild orchid kills both the flower and the original plant. Really, really dumb. Secrecy is a partial talisman against such vandals.
Thanks Alistair, it is beautiful. Would you treat us to a gallery of the local orchids in one of your blogs?
It would be great to know them although they bloom at different times.
Jana, oh, I would not have guessed that such a posting might be sought. But yes, I could post something showing pictures of ones I have found (not guaranteed to be everything). Of course, the places you have to visit to find them is quite another matter. They appear in the same spots year after year, but where are those spots? You might just have to come on a jaunt with me.
Alistair
I recall plenty of lady slipper and what was possibly a whitish coral root (as it looked like coral) around Riondel in my childhood days. Rich, moist sites. I like your commentary as much as the shots… thx
Yes, I too would like to see the photos of the seven species of orchids in your area.
My orchids have disappeared ‘thanks’ to the deer and turkeys and marmots. The fairy slipper
is such a lovely photo!
Tina (north of Spokane)