In April, the Priory blackthorn is a joy.
It lights up a corner of the meadow,
and whilst I might curse Prunus spinosa for most of the year, I certainly don’t in spring.
Why do I curse it? Because it stabs me, that’s why. The thorns scratch my arms, stab my fingers and if tiny, difficult-to-get-out bits snap off in my flesh (which they do) they quickly turn septic. Spiky, spiteful sloe.
But now, in spring, in Sussex, they are simply, magnificently glorious.
A weekend walk on the South Downs was amply rewarded by blackthorn’s snowy spectacle.
And by tea and cake, of course.
Is the blackthorn show better than in recent years? I’d say so but what do you think?
oooOOOooo
And on that brief note, I’m off! I’m running away to the seaside for a few days. I shall paddle in the sea, eat stupid amounts of ice cream, roll about on sandy beaches for no good reason and walk the 40 mile Norfolk Coast Path. I’ll be back soon but thought it rude not to say goodbye.
And so – Goodbye. Back soon.
The Anxious Gardener 
Such a glorious sight. The blackthorn has been late here this year, but the gorse! Oh my giddy aunt ( too much gin, methinks), the gorse is magnificent, and the scent almost overwhelming on the occasional warm still day. Enjoy your hols, don’t get sunburnt, and bring back envy-inducing photos and tales of ice cream…
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Hullo Janet, isn’t the gorse amazing? I had a lovely walk on the Downs recently and took plenty of photos. And did I write a post about golden, prickly loveliness? Nope. Like so many of my photos they’ve been squirrelled away. I’ll use them one day, I guess. Hols were lovely thanks – and that I will post about! Dave p.s No ice-cream at all!!!
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Have a great trip. I should probably say something about the sloe but I’m thinking entirely about tea and cake now. That tent looks like a little bit of dessert paradise!
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Hi Frank, haven’t made sloe gin for a few years now but you’ve reminded me to retry. D
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lovely pictures !! have a great holiday !
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Thank you Gwennie. Nice little break but ate too much!
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😀
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Reblogged this on Pacey-Buck Garden Design and commented:
I curse this plant for its spines especially after hedge cutting and the hidden twigs in the border. However, I am with you, at this time of year it is a delight. It’s just getting into its swing here in Shropshire.
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Thanks for the reblog, Ann. Yes it is a pain when your weeding up against a hedge and also when it grows almost invisibly in amongst other shrubs. Invisible that is until it stabs you.
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So enjoy your photos and observations – blackthorn blossom seems to be slightly earlier this year – have a fab holiday – v best to Jim, Jo
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Thanks Jo. All done and dusted now and back to work. Sigh.
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Those hedges are spectacular. Not sure I have ever noticed it up here.
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The Blackthorn has been spectacular down here in Devon this year but it’s difficult to remember how it was last year!
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I did wonder whether it is always as good as this but that my memory fails to remember it!
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For me this applies to many things!
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Yes, I think the blackthorn is better this year, we have some in the garden here and the fields and lanes were all showing their white blossom for quite some time. Unfortunately now all over for another year here in Devon.
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It’s almost over here now as well, Pauline. Looked very good in Norfolk still though. D
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Have fun!
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I hate those plants too, for the same reasons. But then I love them in spring. That hedge is a beauty! Where did you have tea and cakes?! Did you stop at the mad hatter’s? Good walk!
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Hi Alberto, quite extraordinary isn’t it? But very lovely and the cake divine after a longish walk. It was a little cottage in the middle of nowhere – almost. I’ll be returning. D
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I can see where it comes in handy as a living barbed fence and I bet the birds love it to nest in. The blooms are impressive. Might be a good idea to use a WILDKAT (Side Shift w/ ARCH) mower when pruning back.
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Hi Sheri, it’s as much handling the cuttings after hedge-trimming as the actual cutting. The thorns go straight through even quite stout gloves. And in places it interferes with weeding too! D
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Lord have mercy! And it doesn’t even produce a berry for jam or jelly? I say “Off with it’s head!” Rip that sucker out and install something that gives life a reason for living! I’m not fond of thorns but I do allow Marion Berry to grow along my fence line. It makes a wonderful cordial and give one a double thought about trying to scale over!
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I think all the spring flowering shrubs have done well this year after their wood got a good ripening last summer.
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Could well be it. The blackthorn was just coming out in Norfolk too – looked spectacular.
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Your blackthorn is lovely and that tea looks delicious; enjoy your trip! 🙂
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Enjoy
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Blackthorn is certainly a show-stopper! The fields are so deliciously green – gorgeous to these winter-starved eyes. Have a lovely holiday! I must ask, did the mallards nest in the new box?
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Hi Eliza, no sign of any ducklings I’m afraid. But I’m still hopeful. Fingers crossed. D
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I love the Blackthorn too, but not in my garden. It is lovely here, in this part of France at the moment too. Amelia
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It is a devil for suckering out into lawns – luckily the meadow mowing keeps it in check. D
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The Blackthorn has been really spectacular this year, definitely better than last Spring. Have a great trip, walking the coast path sounds a wonderful way to spend your holiday.
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Hi Julie, great time had thank you. Lots of photos to sort through! Dave
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