Almost any plant will grow from a cutting, from apples to grevilleas. Some – like roses, hydrangeas, deciduous hibiscus, Federation daisies, tree dahlias, wormwood, basil, tomatoes, all salvias and buddleia – take so easily you just snip and thrust – any hard wood that snaps becomes a cutting. Plant – or push – the cutting about 30cm deep, either in a pot or soil, sand and potting mix or where you want a hedge of them to grow; prune off most of the tops and leaves; water at least twice weekly, and watch dead-looking sticks suddenly turn into a garden. ACT government-employed rose pruners and other garden workers have been known to look kindly on anyone who asks nicely if they can have a cutting or two, or even 20. Avid gardeners will probably thrust at least 10 times as many cuttings into your arms as you want to plant.