The local wild ground orchids known as « pentecôtes »or Orchis bouffon — "clown orchids"
Until this morning, actually. It's chilly outside. On the news, they are saying people shouldn't forget to pull on une petite laine — a sweater — if they are going out. The sun is shining brightly, but yesterday, for the first time we can remember, the vineyard owner set out a large number of bougies anti-gel — little smoke pots to prevent the tender new leaves on the vines from freezing.
Green-winged orchids growing around the vineyardYesterday afternoon it was a different story. I had told Susan and Simon that the orchids were in full bloom so they came up to Saint-Aignan to take photographs. We walked out into the vineyard at about five o'clock with Callie — it was the dog's regular afternoon stroll. The weather was very pleasant, as you can see.
Susan taking pictures and Callie sneaking up on herAll the purple flower stalks we were seeing, according to Susan, were on little "green-winged orchids" that are one of several orchid species called « pentecôtes » locally — they bloom around the Pentecostal holiday (Whit Sunday or Whitsun in England). The wild orchids are early on two counts this year — early in April, and much earlier than the actual Pentecôte, which because Easter is so late doesn't fall until nearly mid-June.
Callie with her toy among the wild orchidsCallie enjoyed the walk and the flower photography, especially when Susan was down at ground level with her camera. The dog was very curious about that kind of play. When she realized that her human companions were not in a big hurry, she entertained herself by finding sticks to play with. Simon joined in the game at different points.
It was a very pleasant little excursion, with bright sun and just a little northerly breeze. No need for a jacket, actually. In the picture of Callie above, you can get an idea of the size of the wild orchids we were admiring.
I hadn't realised that being licked in the ear improved one's photography, but Callie assured me it was a recognised technique and was happy to help.
ReplyDeleteThose orchids are just about done blooming here.
ReplyDeleteThose wild orchids are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI would have liked to see those orchids with ya'll! It seems like Easter should be here already and our weather has been quite variable here also.
ReplyDeleteWe took our electric blanket off our bed one night when it was very warm, the next night we were freezing. I'm not complaining though since we need no heat nor ac right now.
Thank you for the beautiful spring flowers!
ReplyDeleteBettyAnn
The orchids are pretty. We have some growing from the trunk of a palm tree at the corner of our building. http://flic.kr/p/8ngt4Q
ReplyDeleteJust had a wonderful mental picture of Simon hurtling around the fields on all fours.... with a stick in his mouth!
ReplyDeleteGreat orchid pictures... show the veining very well!
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but those look purple to me. Why are they "green" orchids? Is there a stage or part we aren't seeing? Lovely pictures nevertheless, thanks.
ReplyDeleteEmm: They are 'green-winged' because the stripes are often green, not red. I think there might be an element of clutching at straws in the choice of name, because there are several extremely similar species, and the obvious 'Early Purple' was already taken.
ReplyDelete