Turns out our mystery plant in the Bay Tree pot was a Common Spotted Orchid – a couple of them, side by side.
In retrospect, it was the most likely outcome: they’re the most common species of orchid in the UK, they like a variety of habitats, and the leaves of the plant in our pot were, well, spotted. The white of the buds made us initially unsure but they became more of a delicate pink as they opened.
They have started to appear in numbers up on the plain now as well – no surprises there. So too, the Pyramid Orchids – as astonishingly pink as ever. Saw the first Marbled White of the year this morning as well. Summer’s here!
Also spotted one or two Meadow Browns – first I’ve seen on the plain this year – and some Large Skippers (picture of one below).
Have been seeing Small Heaths for about a month now and there are still plenty about. It’s been a good year for them. A little surprising to me that they have a high priority conservation status as we see them pretty much along all the paths we walk the dogs. They’re not confined to one or two sites like other uncommon butterflies on the plain. And we’ve had a few in the garden as well. They must just like it round here.
Recent Garden Arrivals
Small Heath deep into Geranium Flower 29.5.20 
Second Brood Tortoiseshell
on Catnip 31.5.20
Meadow Brown sipping morning dew on grass 30.5.20 
Large Skipper on stream-side Irises 25.5.20 
First Small White, gorging Catnip nectar, Antennae bent back with the effort 28.5.20
Great dog-walking weather this morning: bright blue skies and a cooling breeze. Still a bit warm for some inhabitants of the plain though.
Learning about Photography, Butterflies and the White Rainbow 