Flowers in the Western Algarve, wild orchids and bulbs

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Nature: - Bulbs and Orchids - Trees and Bushes - Other Flowers
Amphibians and Reptiles - The Dragonfly - Creepy Crawlies - Birds

The Spring Bulbs and Orchids within 200m of Vale Grifo Farmhouse

All taken by inexpert photographer with digital camera on "idiot" settings in Spring 1999.

The examples on the three flower pages show some of the variety in the riot of size, colour and shape within a small area. This is the best time of year to visit if you enjoy country walks (or rides!) through nature's canvas. Already the carpet of tiny blue irises has appeared and the field gladioli are just blooming.
Other Orchids that have been seen in the area in previous years, either further off than 100 metres, or not quite in flower yet, are the Pyramidil, Mirror of Venus, Sawfly, and the Bee Orchid (as the two illustrated below, but with pink petals).


Spanish Bluebell	Quinta das Frades Serapis "lawn"	Yellow Bee Orchid

Wild Gladiolus in Ferro's Field	Tassel Hyacinth and Sun Spurge	Asphodel in the Espiche stream

Arum Lilies by the Cistern	Bumble Bee Orchid	Small blue Iris by the drive

Small white Iris amongst the blue	Sagres White Iris (2002 St. Anthony's Chapel)

Although not experts, we always try and identify the flowers, birds, reptiles, insects and mammals that we see around, using a small collection of reference books. However, David Bellamy or David Attenborourgh we are not.. and it should be obvious that neither are we a BBC or Bristol Wildlife Team!

Nature: - Bulbs and Orchids - Trees and Bushes - Other Flowers
Butterflies and Moths - Amphibians and Reptiles - The Dragonfly
Creepy Crawlies - Birds