Country diary: copious apple blossom is at its best, but short-lived St Dominic, Tamar Valley: The full bloom sadly coincides with April’s withering cold and dearth of pollinators Blossom on a Hocking’s green apple tree. The multipurpose variety was once popular in local orchards. Photograph: Jack Spiers Blossom on a Hocking’s green apple tree. The multipurpose variety was once popular in local orchards. Photograph: Jack Spiers Thu 20 May 2021 00.30 EDT May rain veils the greening mound of Sentry Hill wood and the cattle grazing on the summit of Viverdon Down, as loquacious birdsong and progress to summer growth are restored.