2009 has been a very good year so far orchid-wise. Isotria verticillata and Aplectrum hyemale were seen in bloom for the first time. An incredible population of 19 sweetly-scented Cypripedium parviflorum var. makasin was located in a marl bog in New Jersey and Cypripedium kentuckiense, the reigning monarch of the North American Cyps, was paid homage to once again. Cypripedium acaule and Liparis liliifolia were welcomed as adjunct orchids.
I returned to the northern New Jersey location on June 12th and saw, for the first time, Spiranthes lucida, (along with Penstemon and Lobelia) in late-bloom on the other side of the lake. On the same day I searched at another location (unsuccessfully) for C. reginae; I did find some beautiful Iris versicolor and lots of rare ferns growing on the limestone.