Technically, the Parsons Bands Orchid emerge after the first heavy rains of Autumn. Well, we had a slight shower and here they are. At the moment the Orchids are only lightly scattered here and there, so I am hoping for a heavy downfall soon to encourage more. The photograph below was taken with my … Continue reading Orchid Season Starts Again: Parsons Bands
Tag: Australian Terrestrial Orchid
Inspired by the Ballarat Field Naturalists
A surprise invitation to accompany the Ballarat Field Naturalists on an orchid seeking field trip arrived in my inbox on Saturday. With a little rearranging, I was able to take up the offer, so on a beautifully sunny winter Sunday we set off to some local bushland. Thanks to John for inviting me and to … Continue reading Inspired by the Ballarat Field Naturalists
Autumn Wild Flower Walks (8 photos)
It is finally beginning to feel like Autumn, even though technically, it has been for a few weeks. Over the past few days I have been noticing many familiar wild flowers beginning to grow. This post shows a few of the plants I have come across this week. Some are just setting leaves, and will flower later … Continue reading Autumn Wild Flower Walks (8 photos)
Our 25th Orchid Species: Rosy Hyacinth-orchid (Dipodium roseum)
To celebrate the New Year, I’m posting the 25th Australian Terrestrial Orchid species found growing wild on our land – the Rosy Hyacinth Orchid. Unlike many of the other Orchids we have here, the Hyacinth-Orchid is large and showy. They can grow up to 1m tall. As the name suggests, they have a brown leafless stem … Continue reading Our 25th Orchid Species: Rosy Hyacinth-orchid (Dipodium roseum)
Our First Spring Waxlip Orchid
It would be remiss of me to overlook the first Waxlip Orchid of Spring, which we saw yesterday afternoon. Last year, we had many Waxlip Orchids, so I hope this is just the first of many.
Red Beard-orchid (Calochilus paludosus)
I’ve saved a special orchid for Christmas. We only had one of these growing – at least, we only found one. Even then, we would have missed it without our friend’s sharp eyes. At the time the bud was just on the point of opening. We staked it and visited every day to see it … Continue reading Red Beard-orchid (Calochilus paludosus)
Duck-Orchid
Another intriguing Australian Terrestrial Orchid was among the many flowers we found on a sunny day last week. Richard initially saw a plant that seemed to have a differently shaped bud. We noted where it was growing and waited for our expert friend to visit. She identified that it would develop into a Duck-Orchid. Another … Continue reading Duck-Orchid
Tiger Orchid: Diuris sulphurea
We are lucky enough to have clumps of Tiger Orchids. These beautiful, often large, flowers really attract attention with their bright yellows, browns and blacks. A ‘cousin’ of the Donkey Orchid, the Tiger Orchid shares the two large upright lobes. We have Tiger Orchids in all of our main micro-climate zones. They are growing … Continue reading Tiger Orchid: Diuris sulphurea
Fifteen Acres 