Images of Wales

Wednesday, 20 May 1998

May Blossom
Near Godre'r Graig, Glamorgan

Photography by John Ball - 1:00 pm 20 May 1998
(with Agfa ePhoto307 digital camera)

At this time of the year, the hedgerows, fields, and meadows in the fertile
Upper Swansea Valley are ablaze with blossom.

Above: This hawthorn bush displays a mass of white "May" blossom. Hawthorn is
commonly called "May" because it flowers in the month of May. Old countryfolk
used to say, "Cast not a clout till May is out", warning us not to discard winter
clothing ("clout") until it's warm enough for the hawthorn to blossom.

Above: Hawthorn is found in many of the hedges used to mark field boundaries in Wales.

Above: May blossom frames the distant mountain, Mynydd Allt-y-grug.

Above: A closer view of May blossom (left), while a golden glow (right) invites us to
wander through the gate between these trees.

Above and below: As we approach the gate, we can see the glow is caused by the sun
shining on buttercups in a lush meadow.