February has been an exceptionally mild weather month this year in Blighty. Narcissi and Primroses are currently resplendent in my park home garden, alongside the usual earliest season Snowdrops and Crocuses. And when I was tipped off that the only Giant Orchid colony nationally is now viewable in my home county, I at once accepted the invitation to be guided there again.

I am not authorised to reveal this site’s location herein, but understand it is now generally known within informed Orchid circles. On 20th we found two plants in bloom and three more that were either on their way or blind. A year ago (see here) early spring was especially wet, not that current conditions are much less so. I had hoped this second, earlier experience might produce larger subjects, but that was not how things turned out. Here (below) are the pictorial results from my first visit.

The site is dangerously steep, and being asthmatic I found clambering around it more difficult than a year ago, even though my own condition has improved since then. Perhaps I am just getting a bit too old for all this. That day’s probably fitter companion, four years my senior, might possibly endorse the sentiment. But still we had to be there, to the puzzled glances and occasional attempts to engage of walkers along the top of the perilous slope. With mission accomplished we agreed it to be, however strenuous still easier than trying to connect with winter Waxwings around our county; since Orchids keep still, always show well when in bloom, and do not after being reported then absent themselves for much of the day.

Having made a first reconnoitre we left feeling these rare Orchids were some way from their peak, and might stand some waiting before warranting a second visit. I returned on 28th alone, since Ewan had sustained an injury. This time I was joined in the nearest car park by fellow Oxon naturalist David Hastings, who was visiting here for the first time. I felt glad of company given the treacherous nature of our destination.

When we reached it I edged down the slope on my backside, having come equipped with waterproof over-trousers for that purpose. About two-thirds of the way down there were now four Giant Orchid either in bloom or bud. The first specimen from eight days earlier (above left) was perhaps a little better developed, while the second was still largely as we had recorded it then. And away to one side were two more, both in bud, the newest of which (above right) was as yet uncaged. Once again and as last winter, these non-native plants all appeared to be receiving quite a battering from the English winter elements.

Getting back up the slope was not easy, and I pretty much crawled on my hands and knees. I prefer to take things slowly and ultra-cautiously like that rather than trying to keep upright, with the risk of slipping and getting injured. Once again I felt the newer specimens would repay inspection after another interval, but in the event could not summon the enthusiasm to make a third visit here.