Simply orchids, simply beautiful
Forget M&S orchids, manicured to within an inch of their pampered lives and head instead to the nearest Chilterns quarry or summer meadow.
That something so ancient, and yet so simple, could have so many uses across the ages is humbling. What comes from an ancient tropical seabed has a place in our national psyche, as well as a place in the story of the Chilterns.
From plankton to orchids
Meadows now cover once thriving Chilterns’ quarries, the chalk by-products destined for London’s building trade as mortar and cement. In spring and summer these special habitats come to life, as swathes of amazing wild flowers and orchids, attract hordes of insects and tiny butterflies including the chalkhill blue, small blue and common blue amongst others – you need a zoom lens to capture those!
A Chilterns meadow
The chalk footpath glistens underfoot as it cuts through the drooping wild grasses, my wet boots and trouser legs a magnet for seed dispersal. The daisy petals are splayed after the heavy rain, the orchids however, shrug it off.
Growing in this harsh, nutrient-poor chalk environment, are the fabulous orchids; the common spotted-orchid, common fragrant-orchid, incredible bee orchid, lady orchid, monkey orchids, pyramidal and military orchids. At their best in early June, competing with the carpets of oxeye daisies to be stars in the wildflower show.
These delicate, yet ruggered Chilterns’ varieties are so small, they can be difficult to spot. But once you know where to look, you will see them everywhere. The lilacs, browns, pinks, white and purple plants can be solitary or growing in busy clusters of up to 30-or more plants.
From plankton to orchids - what a micro journey!
Links you will need
A tropical sea that once covered France and southern England, means we share a bountiful wine producing geology. Read about the taste of little France.
This summer, I am hosting new countryside photography field tutorials in the naturally outstanding Chiltern Hills. These are not techie, more of an understanding how to look and see what is around you that will improve your photographers ‘eye’.