May blossom in June is a pink and white sensation

Claxton, Norfolk The hawthorn's petals are infused with rose, a gloriously subtle hue, like the last residue of juice in a bowl of strawberries and cream

There had to be some benefits to the year's strange grey iron-clad winter-spring, which persisted right until last month in our area. Now we see those benefits in the late coming of our may blossom. The hedges have turned into great waves of flowering luxuriance and, although the showing was strong in 2013 after its own cold-blasted start, I cannot recall a better hawthorn display.

Related: Country diary: Claxton, Norfolk: May arrives in June - and the display is worth the wait