Some Australian Terrestrial Orchids grow in colonies, and this year we are fortunate to have a couple of reasonably good-sized ones.
After photographing the solitary Waxlip Orchid the other day, I thought I would try to find more Waxlip Orchids yesterday, but only found two more. Last year we had so many of these. I never did get around to posting photographs of groups of flowers on the blog last year, so with the theme being colonies, here is a flash-back to last Spring. Much of the back part of our property looked like this in Spring 2013. I’m hoping that the rest of the Waxlips are just slow to emerge this year, and that I can update this post with photos taken in the next few weeks.
Fifteen Acres 
Well done, Lisa! Interesting to see colonies of flowers – that’s teamwork all over. Take care! 🙂 Fabio
Thanks Fabio, you too, 🙂
What a lovely and inspirational blog you have! I moved onto an acreage in Central Victoria seven years ago and the more I learn about the remnant plants and animals the more I enjoy it. I’ve noted that terrestial orchids are slowly recolonising what used to be an eroded horse paddock, which is a pleasant surprise.
Great to hear that the orchids are recolonising your horse paddock. Which species do you have? I find it fascinating to see where the grow – often in places I would least expect. The more I learn about them, the more fascinating they are. Thanks also for comments on my blog. I love communicating with people who share an interest in our native species and always get a kick out of finding a new one here. 🙂 Lisa
Hi Lisa, sorry I didn’t get back to you earlier. I think I have pink fingers (Caladenia sp.), an onion orchid (Microtis sp.) and a sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.).
I must admit I’ve been putting more effort into growing and identifying other plant groups to date such as grasses and small herbs.
Incidentally it was the former owners who ran horses. The barren and eroded nature of one of the old horse paddocks has allowed orchids to withstand competition that wouldn’t be possible in the lower and more fertile paddocks.
Thanks for letting me know Steve. Pink Fingers and Sun Orchids are both spectacular and without competition they must put on a show for you. 🙂 Lisa