I'm new / what's this plant?

Hi I'm new to all this internet gardening business, in fact tbh I'm new to gardening - it never took an interest before but I find the results quick or instant which to someone like me is satisfying.
I'm 40 odd, don't let the username fool you, and a complete novice so go easy yeh?

We moved into our little house a few years ago and every single thing needed doing, so the garden had to wait until now.
I'm in the process of tearing out all the old wild roses and thorny shrubs to make way for a new fence to replace the old chain link and post. One of the shrubs has caught my attention though when I was cutting it out (there's more on the other side of the garden of you're eondering), it's bark was a bright yellow colour, has thorns about 1" long all over and has tiny deep red leaves (like cotoneaster), I don't know about flowering as I can't say I ever noticed. I just thought it would be nice to maybe transplant a section but keep it manageable. there's no danger of transplanting the whole plant as its out of control with brambles, ivy and neighbouring shrubs

 

Hello and welcome :-)

Have you got a picture? it makes things easier

 

Hi....welcome to GC We need a photo!

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner Sixtie7. It sounds like you've got your work cut out in your garden but it will eventually take shape.

The shrub sounds like one of the gold varieties of Berberis.

 

Many thanks for the replies, it's hard to get a photo close up as its quite thick over there, but I'll try tomorrow. I realise I said bark, I meant it's wood / stem to root - my donut moment there

How hard is it to take a cutting and expecting it to grow? What's the process? Any and all tips appreciated, I've never done this before

 

Any photo would make a difference but a close up of the foliage would be good please.

I think it's best we identify it before suggesting how to take cuttings. Most plants have different methods.

 

Sorry for the delay, I've taken a photo of the plant as best I can, it's very overgrown over there :(

 

That is Berberis thunbergii Atropurpurea.

 

Wow you know your stuff!
Is it worth taking cuttings? Or just buy a new plant? I'm a complete novice at this

 

It's possible to take cuttings but as a beginner it's not the easiest, I would say buy another. A cutting will be 3 to 4 years behind one you will get from the garden centre.
There are also plenty of other varieties and other shrubs to chose from, you will want more diversity in the garden.