Time to think of buying plants

A really spring-like day with sunshine all day and good temperatures. There is still a cool edge to the breeze in this part of England caused by the wind coming from the direction of the cold North Sea. However, this is a good Spring compared to the past 2 years.
I've continued this evening to patch various bald areas of lawn from the grass I cut when widening a border at the weekend. It is a great joy to be able to come home from work and be able to do an hour or so in the garden before it gets too cold or dark. I've been tidying-up after the winter, removing dead growth and tackling the weeds at the back of the borders, this year I've waged war on Ivy - not sure who will win!
I'm beginning to think of buying new plants, my favorite options are:

• The plants fairs run by the Hardy Plant Society or the NCCPG (National Council for the Preservation of Garden Plants). Both these organisations run small local plant fairs that attract small specialist nurseries. These nurseries offer plants not usually found in garden centres but best of all they offer a wealth of advice and information as well.
• The big DIY chains often sell large specimens of palms and tree ferns etc. at low prices. They also sell loads of houseplants which are always worth experimenting with as a sort of summer bedding.
• Specialist exotic / tropical plant nurseries either to travel to or to access on the Internet.

There's just so much to do!