Berberis thunbergii

Today's the day ....................... to look closely

It had to be a garden blip today because that's where I've been all day.

And spending the day in the garden, pottering about is my idea of complete heaven - especially when the sun is shining and there's a definite summery feel in the air.  I had plenty of time to look at everything closely and to catch up on what had appeared to join in this year's season of growth.

I find this berberis  totally exquisite in all seasons of the year.  Whether it's now when it's covered in these tiny little strawberry ripple flowers, or when they turn into dark red berries or just the colour of the leaves as a backdrop to other plants - it is a joy to see.

And according to that well-known source of information beginning with 'W' - the thorns of this shrub have been used to clean ancient gold coins, as they are soft enough that they won't damage the surface, but will remove corrosion and debris.  

Not a lot of people know that ........................?!