On 18/04/2013 18:08, Sacha wrote:
On 2013-04-18 17:19:08 +0100, Bob Hobden said:

"Sacha" wrote ...

I doubt very seriously that taking cuttings is a skill that has been
acquired by that garden owner, as yet! The 'scorched earth' policy
would rather argue against the likelihood!

Funny you should mention the scorched earth policy but some years ago
a young couple, she was Polish, moved into the house next door to us
that had a well planted mature garden and proceeded to cut everything
in the garden down at soil level, mature fan trained apple trees
included. These dead trees and shrubs were then left there for about a
year, the apples with apples on them, until they were eventually
gathered up and burnt in the middle of the lawn. Gradually it grassed
over again, it did look choice. She told us she was going to get it
landscaped but never did, it was actually landscaped before she killed
and burnt everything.

The OP might want a green rectangle but even so, he's gone a difficult
way about it. Ask first before acting should be engraved on every set
of house deeds! But seriously, it did make me a little sad to see what
was a carefully planted garden, lending 'just out of sight' interest to
a not-huge-plot and screening from neighbours, simply flattened!

Garden makeover programmes have a lot to answer for!

Is the advice to wait for a season to see what you have got in the FAQ?

--
Regards,
Martin Brown