Blossom of Greengage 'Reine-Claude de Bavay', early April. "Raised by Major Esperens at Malines, Belgium c. 1832 from an open pollinated Greengage. Named Bavay in honour of the Director of the Horticultural Station at Vilvoorde. Brought to England by Thomas Rivers c. 1846. Medium sized, round oblong fruit. Light green skin turning pale yellow with many red and white dots. Deep yellow, soft, juicy flesh. Rich, sweet gage flavour. Small compact tree. Self-fertile but light cropping like most gages. Can be grown successfully in most parts of the UK but best grown in a sheltered garden or on a south facing wall in colder regions." (Keepers Nursery)