Cornus, commonly known as Dogwood is not the most popular or most common flowering tree, but it has still developed a certain mystique and mythology of its very own. The name "dog-tree" entered the English vocabulary before 1548, becoming "dogwood" by 1614.

In the Victorian era, flowers or sprigs of dogwood were presented to unmarried women by male suitors to signify affection. The returning of the flower conveyed indifference on the part of the woman; if she kept it, it became a sign of mutual interest.

This shot was taken in Lossenham Manor, Newenden, Kent, UK.