Orchid just appeared in garden - Bee Orchid? (1 Viewer)

Hi,

I've been leaving my grass to grow a bit wild this year and have just noticed what I think is a Bee Orchid in the grass - see image. It stands about 6" tall, with very short leaves at the base. I am amazed at this, as I live in a town, all be it about 1/2 mile from the edge, but still, I would not have expected this in my garden.

Any views on why its suddenly appeared?

Cliff.

cgilbert said:

Hi,

I've been leaving my grass to grow a bit wild this year and have just noticed what I think is a Bee Orchid in the grass - see image. It stands about 6" tall, with very short leaves at the base. I am amazed at this, as I live in a town, all be it about 1/2 mile from the edge, but still, I would not have expected this in my garden.

Any views on why its suddenly appeared?

Cliff.

Click to expand...

Hi Cliff

What a fantastic surprise and privilege to have a Bee orchid on your lawn! Like all orchids, Bee orchids produce tiny dust-like seeds that can be carried great distances on the wind so they can appear anywhere if the conditions are correct for them to germinate. The Bee orchid is unusual in that it often colonises disturbed ground where it may flower en masse for a few years and then disappear. Let's hope yours sticks around and maybe you'll develop a little population. Just make sure you don't cut the grass until after it's gone to seed (obviously!)

Mike