Tyne And Wear,
United Kingdom 
How do I begin to find out the name of a shrub in my garden that has masses of white blossom early spring before the leaves appear? I have so many gardening questions I hope I dont get banned from this forum
19 Jul, 2010
Answers
Could you add a current picture of it, it might help a bit :-)
19 Jul, 2010
I feel such a fool at times,not knowing whats in my own garden but was always more interested in filling it up at the beginning.The mass of blossom looks like a cherry blossom but it doesnt have the cherries later,
Of course I have changed laptops and all my old garden photos are stuck on there as I dont know how to transfer them.Will try to get a photo of the leaves(when the rain stops)The bare stems seems quite contorted
Thanks for your replies
sheila
19 Jul, 2010
White blossom before leaves sounds a bit like blackthorn. Are the branches spiny Scabioussheila?
19 Jul, 2010
Hi Beattie I have Blackthorn in my hedging so i know it's not that. I have taken a couple of pics one of the leaves and the other of a piece of dead wood.Will try to upload it but not sure where to put pics
Sheila
19 Jul, 2010
Congratulations on adding the pic successfully Scabioussheila. I agree it's not blackthorn. Hmmm
19 Jul, 2010
The leaves are a puzzle - not cherry, too serrated. Definitely a hmmmm, Beattie!
19 Jul, 2010
Hallo Scabioussheila - welcome to GOY...we never mind answering questions, so don't worry on that score!
As to your shrub - could it be one of the Viburnums? That's a wild guess, as we could do with more information, such as what the blossom's like - is it scented/in clusters etc, and what shape/size the leaves are when they appear, and of course a photo of either/both if possible.
19 Jul, 2010