Sunday, June 21, 2009

In the Community of Orchids (for Litha)

Showy Lady's Slipper
(Cypripedium reginae)

Can it be here already, the longest day of the year? Obviously so, since I spent yesterday pottering about in the bottom of a deep bog in Lanark and marveling (as I always do at summer solstice time) at the colony of native orchids blooming there.

This rare wild terrestrial orchid of the highlands blooms gloriously in a hidden corner of the Two Hundred Acre Wood, and we guard the knowledge of its residence jealously - only a handful of close companions know where it sends roots deep into the fertile muck, puts up spiraling brilliant green leaves and blooms gloriously for a few days in late June.

It seems that summer has only just arrived here, and we are already on our way to shorter days and longer nights. Let us enjoy these golden days and starry velvet summer nights.

Happy Litha to each and every one of you, Happy Summer Solstice!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is exquisite.

Shell said...

Happy Summer Solstice.

Cindy said...

so beautiful-- my most favorite ladyslipper of all. Happy Summer Solstice Cate.

Sky said...

same to you. beautiful photo.