Flowers of the Kampina – Part 3

Summer in the Kampina is a feast for the senses, and nowhere is this more evident than in its wildflowers.

I began with Sagittaria graminea (smalbladig pijlkruid), its delicate white petals catching the morning light, while a honeybee worked busily at the top of the frame. Nearby, the toxic yet beautiful Cicuta virosa (waterscheerling) stood tall, its blossoms framed by a shimmering bokeh from the water behind.

The humble Prunella vulgaris (gewone brunel or bijenkorfje) was next—a true bee magnet. I captured it with my Canon 5D Mark III and MP-E 65mm macro lens, a rare, specialized lens that magnifies from life-size to five times life-size without additional accessories. It’s a tool for those who want to dive into the smallest worlds nature hides.

At the northeast near Huisvennen, I wandered into a sea of blooming clover. My photo shows just one flower, but the meadow was alive with bees darting between blossoms.

The heath is also in bloom, painting the landscape in purples and pinks. In the early morning, unopened buds still held tiny dew droplets—each a perfect lens for the rising sun.

Finally, the Galeopsis tetrahit, here in a pale form with purple specks. While modest in appearance, it belongs to the vast orchid family—one of the oldest and most diverse plant families on Earth.

Next: Part 4 – Birds of the Kampina.

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My Cephalotus is waking up! New leaves are emerging, and I’ve spotted a few tiny traps forming. Always exciting to see this little carnivore grow!

#Cephalotus
#CephalotusFollicularis
#CarnivorousPlant
#PlantGrowth
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#TinyTraps
Exciting moment! The newest trap on my Nepenthes maxima x northiana is finally starting to open. Can’t wait to see it fully unfurl and start catching some unsuspecting prey! Nature never ceases to amaze me.

Do you grow Nepenthes? Let me know your favorites in the comments!

#Nepenthes
#CarnivorousPlants
#PitcherPlant
#NepenthesMaximaXNortiana
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🐝 Buff-tailed bumblebee spotted! 🐝

This fuzzy visitor is busy enjoying the nectar from Berberis aquifolium. A perfect example of early spring pollinators at work! 🌿💛

#BuffTailedBumblebee
#Bumblebee
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#BerberisAquifolium
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#SpringFlowers
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My Drosera capensis decided it’s time to show off! This little carnivore has been happily catching gnats, and now it’s sending up a flower stalk. Can’t wait to see those delicate pink blooms!

Have you ever had a sundew flower? Let me know in the comments!

#DroseraCapensis
#CarnivorousPlants
#Sundew
#PlantLife
#BotanyLovers
#NatureIsAmazing
🐝✨ Found a Syrphus enjoying the flowers of Berberis aquifolium! These hoverflies are amazing pollinators and a welcome sight in the garden. Love seeing nature at work! 🌿💛

#Syrphus
#Hoverfly
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🌿 Unexpected guest! 🌿

While working on my outdoor bog last summer, I found this little one tagging along with one of my Sarracenia. I brought it inside, looks like it’s a Drosera binata! Let’s see how it grows. ✨🪰

#DroseraBinata
#CarnivorousPlants
#Sundew
#PitcherPlantCompanion
#BogGarden
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💜 Nepenthes 'Rebecca Soper' 💜

This hybrid never disappoints! Beautiful deep-colored pitchers and always growing strong. One of my favorites to photograph! 📸✨

#Nepenthes
#RebeccaSoper
#CarnivorousPlants
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#TropicalPlants
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🌿 Nepenthes alata surprise! 🌿

Still a small plant, but already pushing out basals with their own little pitchers! Love seeing this one grow and prepare for the future. Tiny but mighty! 🏺✨

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#NepenthesAlata
#CarnivorousPlants
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#PitcherPlant
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#MacroPhotography

🌿 Nepenthes {maxima × northiana} update! 🌿

My plant is putting in some serious work—growing a big new pitcher while also producing tiny ones on fresh basals! Love seeing this hybrid thrive. Can’t wait to see that big one open! 🏺✨

#Nepenthes
#CarnivorousPlants
#TropicalPitcherPlant
#NepenthesMaxima
#NepenthesNorthiana
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