Gina Parkinson enjoys a brief gardening affair with the blossom trees, Amelanchier.

We have reached the end of the first week in May and blossom trees are filling our gardens and lining the streets with their colourful blooms. Pink and white cherry and apple blossom are everywhere at this time of year, laden with flowers that scatter their petals in the breeze.

The flowers from spring blossom trees are short-lived, but nevertheless a joy when they appear. Some last longer than others but my favourite is one of the most fleeting - Snowy Mespilus or to give it its botanical name, Amelanchier. The one I have is Amelanchier lamarkii, a deciduous shrub or small tree that begins to bloom in spring, with swelling clusters of buds and the unfurling of small, coppery leaves. The buds eventually open into a glorious show of small white flowers. We had a wonderful display this year that was visible at the end of the road, a lovely welcome home after a day at work. The flowers only last a couple of weeks, but there is the anticipation throughout March and most of April as the signs grow that they are on their way.

The flowers are over now, the last petals falling in the wind as the leaves will darken to green and red berries turn to black before ripening in June. These are apparently edible, but I haven't been brave enough to try one yet. In autumn, the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and green, but I won't dwell on that now.

There are other species in the Amelanchier family, including A. canadensis or Shadbush. It is similar to lamarkii but the young foliage is pinker and the flowers held in thicker clusters. Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Ballerina' is a compact hybrid with larger flowers than usual and should be easy to find while 'Cole's Select' has thicker and glossier foliage than the rest of the family. Most have white flowers, except 'Rubescens' which is pale pink.

Amelanchier will grow in sun or partial shade in a neutral to acid moist soil. Pruning isn't necessary but cutting back can be done in late winter if growth needs to be kept in check.

Garden talk

Jean Julian, secretary to the Heather Society, will give a talk on Tuesday entitled AGM And Heathers at Askham Bryan College. Organised by Askham Bryan College (ABC) Gardening Club, the talk will begin at 7.30pm in the Conference Hall. Tickets are free to ABC Gardening Club members and £5 for non-members. There is plenty of free parking nearby.

Spring show

Following the success of its annual Spring Show at Askham Bryan College last Sunday, the Ancient Society of York Florists is holding a second spring show tomorrow. The venue will be Bishopthorpe village hall and visitors will be able to see a large range of daffodils, including recent miniatures as well as tulips, auriculas and cactus. A number of the daffodil exhibitors competed at the Spring Show in Harrogate last week and will be hoping for more awards at Bishopthorpe. The Wakefield Tulip Society will be staging the 'Old English' tulip, a plant only grown by members of their society.

There will also be a plant sale and demonstration of how to make a hanging basket, as well as teas and coffee, cakes and a tombola. The plant sale begins at 10am and entrance to the show is at 11am after judging has taken place. Admission is free.