Slipper Orchid - Cypripedium hybrid.

The village church was holding an "Open GardenDay" to raise funds.  IN a small village they had managed to get 11 gardens to volunteer to be open.  The Village Hall was running a café and the sun shone.  hat more could you need.

After lunch we began our wander, every garden was absolutely beautiful and as you would expect prepared to perfection.  The village was full of couples wandering round many having come from quite a distance.  I suspect the pub benefited by doing a roaring trade in lunches.  All had paid a small fee for the map showing where the gardens were and acted as a ticket for admission.

In one garden I spotted this lovely Cypripedium.  Fortunately it was close to the lawn and the grass dry enough to lie on.  We had an interesting conversation with the gentleman first about the butterfly larvae in his extensive wild area and followed by discussing the orchid.  The best part he told me where and how to get them at 25% off.  It requires the correct timing!