While exploring Grundy National Park in Northern Ontario, searching for wild and rare orchids we ended up finding a collection of fascinating plants in the richly biodiverse park. After initially being told there were no orchids in bloom by park staff, within minutes of leaving the check in lodge we had found 20 separate lady slipper orchids (Cypripedium acaule).

We also found the extraordinarily tiny Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii) growing along the edge of a sandy bog next to a collection of Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), but our most exciting find was the Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia  purpurea). Initially spotting their flowers floating above the reeds like burgundy orbs, we were surprised and delighted to find so many lining the edges of Gurd Lake. Looking closer within new landscapes always proves to be a rewarding experience.