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.
