This is a Common Spotted Orchid, or Dactylorhiza maculata. I had spotted several specimens along my walk through Chee Dale but this one on top of a mossy wally really stood out against the lush background. It always seems a little unfair to attach Common to the name because although they may be found in many places they are still uncommonly beautiful.
Over the weekend I found these beautiful Common Spotted Orchids in a meadow on the shore of Colemere. I had never seen so many orchids growing in one place and mixed in with masses of buttercups and other wildflowers it was a wonderful scene.
Today I have selected two shots of an orchid which has just started to bloom in my living room. When everything has been so dull and grey outside in recent days it was nice to have some bright colour indoors.
I love the striking colours and the fascinating detail almost like a face in the central element of the flower.
I haven't had the chance to go out and take any new pictures in the past week so this evening I decided that if I can't go out I will take some pictures of stuff around the house instead, and look what I found.
The top two images are of different flowers but the third and fourth pictures are progressive crops of the second flower. I really love the colour and detail and the texture in these pictures. I hope you will agree these are lovely pictures
