A successful plant buying trip yesterday. I somehow managed to buy more than expected (again!). One purchase for myself - Sorbaria sorbifolia 'Sem' also known as False Spiraea. A beauty! Not a plant I have grown before but I couldn't resist its gorgeous feathery leaves, yellow with pink tips in Spring, becoming green then turning red in the Autumn. The added bonus of plumes of white flowers from June to September makes this a real gem. Its a deciduous shrub of around 1m high by 1m spread, though please be aware this is a suckering plant, keep it in check by removing outer shoots if in a confined space. Suitable for most soils, though dislikes chalk and not too dry. Theres suggestion that strong winds may scorch the leaves so give it a little shelter. Could also be grown in a large container. The only problem I have is where to find a space!

A day out to my favourite nurseries today. Some people go clothes shopping, I prefer plants! Buying some big specimen shrubs (along with a few perennials that I will try and squeeze into my garden). Things are really getting a move on now, after such a long spell of bitter winds, its so exciting to see all the buds bursting into life!

In the beginning.....

Here it is, my first ever post! My own take on being a gardener on Dartmoor, along with a dip into other interests and hopefully a bit of entertainment along the way. Being a gardener, not a computer whizz could prove risky, but what the hey, lets give it a go!