Galearis spectabilis (Showy Orchis) -- with last year's seed capsules

Even though it was cold and windy and heavy rain was predicted in the area, I decided that photographing the orchids in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina would be worth getting a bit wet.

I had invited some flickr friends to join me on this day trip, and so Alan Cressler, Kelvin Taylor and his cousin, Cathy Howell gathered at the Ranger Station and soon headed to a nearby Showy Orchis site.

I had photographed these beautiful orchids last week, but I had noticed that there were more in bud than there were blooming. On his trip, however, they were spectacular!