The blackthorn bush is so named because it has a very dark bark, and when it grows in thickets, as is its habit, it creates a dense, dark and almost impenetrable thorny scrub layer.  But when it flowers, as it is at the moment, the blossom is an amazing bright white.  The hedges look as if they have been snowed upon, and the blackthorns really stand out.  It always seems to be cold at this time, so we say that we should not think we are into the better weather until the Blackthorn winter is over.  In Autumn this is the bush that gives us sloes for the Winter warmer, sloe gin.