Gean, better known outside Scotland as wild cherry, is starting to flower on the woodland edges while the blackthorn is starting to look past its best now. Traditionally cherries were planted for the the wood which was used for making poles, cask hoops and the fruit.  Birds love them but we are used to larger juicy cherries from the cultivars.  Meanwhile with the pink Japanese cherry trees, gean is also adorning parks, road sides and gardens in the land.