The blackthorn blossom, my favourite springtime blossom, because it is the first conspicuous blossom of spring, starting with just a few blossoms on isolated bare branches, but within days becoming a frothy showy blowsy display of whiteness all over these common tall shrubs, like a parade of brides walking along the field edges. This year the transition from a few flowers on individual branches to a full display has been slow one, but just one or two warm days will the catalyst for the blossom to cascade over the hedgerows. For me it is the sign that I can put winter behind me.
