Thanks Wurzel. Yes, after a slow start, both species seem to have done quite well.
That afternoon was spent looking for Kent Orchids.
Denge Wood has an excellent number of Lady orchids, especially at the old bonsai bank reserve, but also elsewhere. This is one of our most impressive orchids. Although late this year, they were nearing their peak by the end of May.
Fly Orchids also occur here.
This site has the added bonus of having a colony of Duke of Burgundy. They were keeping a low profile on this very warm day.
Then onto the Folkestone Downs. I wasn’t expecting to find late-spider orchids yet, given the late season. But,to my delight, the very first ones were open.
Lastly, with the very long days at this time of year, there was time for an evening visit to Park Gate Down. This is the best place in the country to find monkey orchids, and visitors are welcome. Again, with things running around two weeks late, I wasn’t sure if they would be open. And sure enough, most were still at the bud stage. But we found a couple of excellent spikes, in full flower!