Williamson's Weekly Nature Notes

The prettiest, showiest, pinkest wild orchid in West Sussex is now on full display in the woods, meadows, downs and roadside verges. It won't last for ever so now is the moment to get out and see it.

I am quite sure there are many readers lucky enough to have the common spotted orchid growing right next to them on their lawn.

I do hope if so that this beauty is not regarded as some sort of weed which interrupts the straight lines set as parameters by the human mind. Machines like lawnmowers and tractors set this motorway madness into the human mind and it is a curse to nature.

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So: please mow around the orchids. They will all be gone by July. Then the next lot will be sprouting out! The autumn lady's tresses for example.

Now you couldn't possibly mow those dear little white columns of spiralling flower out of existence could you? Promise me.

Well; the first indications you had that spotted orchids were there was when the leaves speared out of the turf. Strange patterns they have indeed. They always remind me of leopard's spots. Even though they are purple on a green background.

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette June 6