Christmas is rushing forward, one of the joys being the Mahonia just in front of my kitchen window, the large yellow flowers are about to open, just what is needed during these drab days, the display usually lasts over Christmas giving me constant pleasure.
They are a very hardy ever green shrub and will grow in most soil types including heavy clay, though of course here I am on dry sandy soil.  The down side is if like me you plant near a path the prickly leaves will impale you so take care. The window cleaner is not a fan of Mahonia which he gives a very different name!!!,  I prune hard after flowering, when the frosts have past to keep it a manageable size.