You don't have venture far in the British countryside at this time of year before you see a bush (or many) with spiny branches and vibrant yellow flowers.
Gail grew up in England calling this shrub 'gorse'. I, Nobby, being Scots born, have sometimes to correct my human's terminology and this is a case in point. North of the Border, it is more commonly known as 'whin'.
We saw lots of whin on our way across to the Torridon cottage this week. When the sun shines and the air is warm the flowers exude what Gail says is a lovely coconut-y fragrance.
On arrival at the cottage, I immediately spotted another 'Whin' in the garden. This Whin is a pretty and playful Golden Retriever. She belongs to Phil, the nice man who helps Gail keep the garden under control. I find canine Whin's fragrance so much more appealing than that of the prickly plant for which she was named.
Yes I do like Whin a lot*, although not so much that I would ever be prepared to give her my stick.
Happy Nature Friday friends!
*Gail says we "play nicely" together.
Also known as 'furze' around the New Forest ('darn sarf'). Gorse was one of F's most hated weeds when she started working in New Zealand's Forest Service. Everyone was issued with heavy canvas trousers....You big golden friend looks slightly perplexed by your stick dance Nobby.
ReplyDeletea that was a whin whin situation for you ;O)
ReplyDeleteWhin does look like a very pretty girl, Nobby - what a nice friend. I've never had a stick, but if I ever get one, I'm pleased to know that I don't have to share it.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Amber xx
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby, I admit I am slightly envious of you sitting among all that fragrant whin! It is one of the joys of the late spring countryside. And your furiend, Whin, looks every bit as bonny. I am glad to read that you play nicely together - always good to play nicely with neighbours. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
I didn't know gorse/furze was called whin. I didn't know that whinberry is another name for bilberry, which grows among the gorse/furze/whin. Never stop learning!
ReplyDeleteWhin looks a very nice dog - well done, Nobby, for making friends with her.
And of course in Scotland whinberry/bilberry is always known as blaeberry!
DeleteHa ha!
DeleteI am thinking the man named the golden Whin because of the golden flowers. you both look so happy and ready for fun. I have heared the name gorse, in the books I read, but not whin. which ever they go by they are gorgeous and I love the first photo of you on the walking path up the dunes. I would like to follow that path.
ReplyDeleteYour friend, Whin is a pretty girl and in my opinion much prettier than the yellow flowering Whin, Nobby. You and Winn will have to find another stick so you can both have your own!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have a friend to play with. The Whins are very pretty, that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteBOL BOL Nobby amazing how many names we (all) have for the same thing.
ReplyDeleteIt makes the English language very hard to learn sometimes. At least that is what all the international students to me.
K9 Whin is absolutely gorgeous...(you have excellent taste) . Such pretty furs and kind too. I'd say have Whin is a win win for you
Hugs Cecilia
Those are pretty yellow flowers, and we think Whin is a pretty golden girl. How nice that you two get to play together, but we wouldn't share any sticks either. BOL!
ReplyDeleteWhatever they are called, they are very pretty flowers...and a very pretty Golden Retriever too(but she will need to find her own stick!)!!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Rosy and Sunny
Oh Nobby ~ always glad to see you and your adventures in great photos ~ Xo
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Isn't there a saying; when the gorse is in flower, kissing is in season... a nod to its ever present buds. The coast path near me is ablaze with colour and high on the gorse are Stonechats, my favourite bird.
ReplyDeleteWhin looks very happy as she watches you play.
ReplyDeleteWe liked learning about whin and meeting a Whin. While Lady wrote about the smell of spring, the best smell this week (besides the normal deer or turkey poop), was some deer bones we found and were not allowed to eat. Lee and Phod
ReplyDelete