Take a walk along Lady Slipper Lane or the Parking Lot Trail at Shaver’s Creek and you will find pink lady slippers currently in bloom (see pictures 1-3 below). This solitary flower, a member of the orchid family, ranges from white to pink and grows up 4 inches long. Lady slippers are commonly found under oak and white pine trees in acidic swamps, bogs, dry woods and dunes. Be sure to check them out as they will not be in bloom for long! Wild geranium is also blooming in abundance in the Shaver’s Creek garden (see picture 4 below). These purple flowers attract many pollinators, including butterflies to our garden. Come take a walk and share with us your findings!
~ Chrysalis, Spring 2011 Intern
Great pictures Chrys…and so educational too!