One for the Botanists!

There is an unbelievable variety of such beautiful wild flowers to be found on our doorstop. I never cease to be thrilled at the sight of swathes of the rich purple, blues and yellows along the roadside as we motor along; the wonderful poppies flaunt themselves boldly amongst the other wild flowers and look simply stunning against the stone colour of clay banks where they seem to thrive - such a dazzling rich red, so unlike the scarlet red of those back home. Who needs a cultivated garden with such a display to enjoy!

Then there are the orchids! I think I've seen 2 wild orchids in my lifetime and here they grow in abundance on the grassy banks of the olive groves just a few hundred yards from the house. What fun I would have with a macro lens - I'd never have my nose further than 6" from the ground! As it is Michael has to remind me to lift my eyes and enjoy the views around us as I walk with eyes glued to the sides of the pathways spotting various new varieties!

The first photo is of the Italian or Naked Man Orchid (Orchis Italica), then the Mirror Orchid and the Yellow Bee Orchid (Ophrys Lutea)
More pics in the next posting.....