Orchids

Jeff Green | Jun 22, 2006

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Show Lady's Slipper Orchids

Purdon Conservation Area near MacDonalds Corners is a unique wetland famous for its exceptionally large native colony of Showy Lady's Slipper Orchids. Each year between mid-June and early July 16,000 orchids burst into bloom. It is extremely rare to find a colony of this size and Purdon is the largest in Canada . The colony exists today thanks to the care and cultivation given by Mr. Joe Purdon. The wetland was originally part of Mr. Purdon's farm and he began to manage the few dozen plants he discovered growing there in the late 1930s. Mississippi Valley Conservation acquired the site in 1984 and pledged to preserve if for the enjoyment and enrichment of future generations.

Purdon Conservation Area is open dawn to dusk every day - May 15 - Oct 15, and admission is by donation. Starting mid-June you can call the Bloom Hotline at 613-259-2421 to catch the flowers at their peak. Stroll along the 400 metre boardwalk that allows you a close-up view of the orchids and the many other plant and wildlife species special to the area. There is a fully accessible washroom, parking and picnic area.

On Saturday June 24 the Lanark Highlands Orchid Festival will be held, with frequent bus tours to Purdon Conservation Area leaving the village of Lanark, vendor, artisan and children's exhibits, agricultural displays/demonstrations and a music festival. Free Admission. Info at www.lanark-highlands.com or 1-866-559-9154