Yellow Lady Slipper Orchids in Central Minnesota

Written by Mary Gold, Upstream Care for Place Fellow

Every Spring I am greeted by 300 blooming Yellow Lady Slipper Orchids! Orchid hunting in early June is always a surprise and a delight when I search for them on our land in central Minnesota.

John Muir said, “Into the forest I must go, to lose myself and find my soul.”

I couldn’t agree more! Lady Slipper Orchids are renowned for their exquisite beauty and intricate design. They captivate botanists, gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. I experience awe and wonder when I am in their presence!

So much beauty must be shared with others! But how?

Then I remembered the story of Johnny Appleseed who walked from West Virginia to Illinois, handing out apple seeds for folks to plant in the 1800’s. This story inspired me to become the ‘Johnny Appleseed of the native orchid world’! Every Spring I donate 100,000 Yellow Lady Slipper Orchid seeds to Lake Associations and Gardening groups.

Here is how I do it:

My orchids bloom in early June for about 2 weeks.

By the 4th of July, my blooming orchids are just a memory. Now that the flower has been pollinated, it is time to protect the developing seed pods from being eaten by deer. So I walk our woods slipping colorful wedding favor bags over each growing seed pod.

In September I collect the ripe seed pods. I store them in paper bags in the freezer to mimic a Minnesota winter.

In June I open the seed pods and put the seeds in a large bowl. Each mature seed pod has up to 10,000 very tiny seeds. So, I have plenty to share! Then I put 300 seeds in a small bag and staple it to a photo of a mature flower and a planting instruction sheet.

This year I am giving away 75 packets of seeds at Serpent Lake Association’s annual Spring meeting. I enjoy gifting seeds and talking to people about these beautiful orchids.

Yellow Lady Slipper Orchids inspire me to pause and reflect on the exquisite artistry of God. I am so blessed to be able to share this joy with others! Have you been inspired by an amazing bug, plant or moment in nature?

How might you express your joy? You could draw a picture, write a poem, start a Nature Journal to record your adventures outside, learn to garden, plant a tree, take photos of plants and creatures, take hikes with others, or join a club that cares for our natural habitats. The possibilities are endless!

Someday, after my life review with God, He is going to say, “Now I would like to show you images of orchids that are thriving because you gave away seeds and encouragement to others. You helped to plant gardens you may never see for people you did not know…..this is self-less love expressed.”

You, dear reader can do the same when you choose to use lead-free fishing tackle which may save a loon from lead poisoning. A loon you may never see, a thank you that you will never hear, a life not ended but enjoyed with delight and with offspring that you may never see…Or maybe you will!

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