Wild Orchids

Many thanks to Paul Deacon for the photo of a local orchid(and native bluebell).... still waiting for Eastfield to bloom....

Wild Orchids
In the tropics they have orchids
they are huge, exotic blooms
tangerine to puce
snow-white to maroon
Oh you also find them in Tesco

Here the orchid season has begun
more restrained
elegant spikes in pastel shades
pale lilac to purple
Understated glamour and fascination

The ghost orchid so rarely seen
lady's slipper and the red helleborine;
precious guarded blooms

But the rest can be more easily seen
greater butterfly orchid one the most beautiful of our wild flowers
others mimic insects, deceptive and sly
bee orchids drawing bees in with the promise of love
and fly orchids with their deceiving velvety lip

The summer of orchids has begun

Woken Veil