A small group of Maroonhoods herald the official start of spring, flowering in their usual spot.

Pterostylis pedunculata (link to iNaturalist record)

Another orchid makes its first appearance for the season. So far just a handful of blooms, but it really does look like we're in for a good orchid show this spring!

Glossodia major (now Caladenia major) (link to iNaturalist record)

Small pink to white orchids of this type are common and widespread ... and rather difficult to confidently take to species level. This one does appear to be Caladenia carnea, but among the growing number of flowers appearing we may also have C. fuscata. The differences are subtle ... largely coming down to the intensity of the pink.

Caladenia carnea

On the rocky cliffside above the river, this orchid survives and thrives. Some years it flowers en masse, other years hardly at all. This year is a great year! Like our Hakea species, we are near the southern limit of distribution of this Rock Orchid. It persists in a few locations in far East Gippland, but "unscrupulous collectors" have pushed the plant to Critically Endangered status in Victoria (link to VicFlora site).

Dendrobium speciosum var. speciosum (link to iNaturalist record)