When
the weather grows cold and blustery, it’s tempting to look for signs of new
growth but do that too much and one misses the season. In January, there’s more
dead on show than usual; prickles show clear and thorns are beautifully
exposed.
Gorse flowers all year round but in January, when there is less colour than in other months, the flowers are specially prominent in the dull light.
January is a month when it's easy to see where blackthorn gets its name. Come spring, white blossom will draw the eye and in the summer these long spikes will be hidden in dense foliage.
For most of the year, blackberries mean fruit at some stage but January is a 'look at those thorns!' time.
Buddleia is an exception to this general 'now-ness'. Last years dead blossoms remind us of the year passed.
Hurray for January!
Have a Very Happy
2012
!
Lucy wishing you a Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Lucy!
ReplyDeleteSometimes, one forgets that Sloes are grown on Blackthorn and ends up with blood on one's hand. At lease that is what this one did last year...
Well I never thought of photographing thorns, but they are very interesting! Thanks for inspiring me to go look at my thorns!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Lea
Where I grew up in rural Oxfordshire Blackthorn was pretty common in hedges. You would have to be pretty determined to get through a hedge with blackthorn in it.
ReplyDeleteI just said it in Milk Bottle blog, but I wish you All the Best for 2012.
You are so right about seeing what is there in January rather than looking for signs of things to come - I must admit that that I DO look for leaf buds and new growth but I enjoy what January has to offer as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is much easier to see those thorns without the leaves. Happy New Year Lucy!
ReplyDelete