The hawthorn tree (An Sceach gheal) is flowering beautifully in Ireland now. The photograph shown here was taken near Roscrea just inside the Co. Laois border. The tree is also called the whitethorn or May blossom. It is the tree that forms the hedges of the Irish landscape and so at the end of May the countryside is beautifully whitened by the blossoms of the trees. The rich whiteness contrasts strongly against the deep greenness of the grass in the fields. The appearance of the blossoms announces the arrival of early summer.