'LOVLIEST OF TREES...'*

Yes, it is a cherry, not one of your showier ones, but prunus padus, the bird cherry (also known as Biggin Hill). We love it and so do the birds. This year the blossom has been the best ever and during the last few dark stormy days, the white panicles have shone like candles, lightening up the view from our kitchen and lounge.

And what's that I spy? Blue sky? The clouds rolled back twenty minutes ago and I am off to make up for lost time in the garden...beans to plant out, beds to hoe, borders to be replanted...

*I'm not a great fan of the Houseman, but have to agree with the sentiment that 50 springs is too little time to look at cherry blossom.