Ripe Sloes and Blackthorn Branch

The Sloe is the fruit of the capricious blackthorn. As early as march bride-like veils of  white gossamer appear to billow and waft along the length of the hedgerows and field margins. An illusion created by the densley packed floral display of this early flowering  bush. The blackthorns small, delicate, lacey white flowers appear well before its leaves have even thought about getting out of bed for spring. This apparition, and the wonderful accompanying scent always stops me in my tracks, a happy acknowledgment that warmer weather and spring sunshine are on their way before too long. Continue reading →