A HIGHCLIFFE woman has one of the area's largest colonies of rare orchids flourishing in her own back garden.

Dawn Clogg of Smugglers Lane North now has hundreds of the orchids, known as Autumn lady's tresses, in full flower on her lawn.

She said: "I first spotted some about five years ago and they've multiplied every year since.

"They only flower for a few weeks in the summer and I don't cut the grass at all while they are on show.

"I've never used pesticides in my garden and I think that's one of the reasons they've done so well," She added.

Local botanical expert Felicity Woodhead, who has published a guide to the flora in the Christchurch area, said: "It's certainly the biggest colony I've seen around here.

"There are a few other people in Highcliffe who have these orchids growing in their garden but not on this scale."

All orchids are rare in this country, but Autumn lady's tresses (spiranthes spiralis) is one of the more common species.

It does well on short, dry, heathlike grasslands, and can be seen occasionally on the clifftops around Bournemouth.

Felicity said: "They're quite hard to spot but they do pop up every now and again along towards Boscombe.

"They used to flower in September but due to climate change they seem to be flowering earlier and earlier in August."

Dawn added: "I feel very privileged to be living here with the orchids.

"But sadly, this is the last season I'll see them, as I'm putting my house on the market.

"I only hope the person who comes to the house will get as much pleasure from them as I have."

If you think you have any of these orchids in your garden or you have spotted them elsewhere, Felicity Woodhead would like to hear from you on 01202 520340.