Yea that would be nice.

I think the main problem is Im new to gardening, so Im buying things not knowing what they will grow in to.

I think the rain and my ill-timed pruning has ruined a few shrubs this year too. I have a few spireas but they look pretty rubbish right now. I think I pruned them too late.. maybe I should have done it in April/May?

Infact do spireas have a lifespan? Mine were pinched from my mums garden so they may well be 10 years old!!