I thought I'd post a couple of pics of my neighbours Blackthorn tree in blossom as it's so pretty at the moment. We've also got a couple in our garden, but there not in blossom like this.
These trees have caused no end of discussion in our house, and between the neighbours and anyone who visits. Are they a Wild Damson or a Sloe? We came to the conclusion that although the trees look identical. The one in the corner of our garden is a sloe and the one further along is a wild damson. The fruit on our sloe tree is a bit smaller than that of the wild damson. I thought I'd taste one to compare the flavours, not recommended bitter as hell! I made two batches of gin in the end, one from the Sloes and one from the Wild Damsons. They did have a slightly different flavour and personally I preferred the Sloe Gin. Not that I even like Gin. My friend told me I was drinking it too soon anyway and to leave it until this Christmas/Yule. I also made an experimental batch of Elderberry Gin. This was quite different and a lovely colour. Most of these were given away as Yule pressies.
Another pic of my beautiful pussy cat Phoebe
What a wise old thing she is......
She doesn't mind where she sits.....