We always stop along M-123, between I-75 and Moran (Mackinac Co., Michigan) to see this orchid when it is blooming. This is the Showy Lady’s-slipper. Sometimes to get there before they are blooming, or after they’re done. But sometime we hit them at peak. That was the case this year with an added benefit.
In the spring/late winter the power company took a brush-hog through the area where we find these orchids. That had me concerned. But on close inspection everything that was removed was above ground. The soil was undisturbed.
The patch that we knew about not only thrived, but expanded with more sun. But there was more.
The other side of the ditch was now viewable and what had been a site where we found 15-20 flowers now allowed us to see over 350!
It’s amazing what a little sun can do along with eliminating some of the competition.
More later…
Michael's Place 