Questions

I am looking for a pencil thin conifer that will not exceed 2.60 in height. I am considering Chamaecyparus "elwoodii" or "stardust". Perhaps an Italian cypruss, but would it cope with the cold.

How do I propagate portugese laurel?I have collected seeds but some not fully ripe...

We are currently planning our garden, and i quite fancy the weeping birch (betula pendula youngii). However I have read that they grow to up to 8m tall and wide, whereas our space would more suit something about 4m tall and wide. Can the weeping birch be cut back in order to keep the size under control, or am I better off looking for another species?

I have an "S" shape border of lavender in my front garden. It is 4 years old and looking tatty and going black at the roots. Should I lift it? If so what will I replace it with. I have approx. 30 plants.

Is there a variety of honeysuckle that is low growing? I pass a garden that has red and cream flowered honeysuckle growing in a border against a wall. It is about 3-4ft high and quite bushy with a wonderful scent.

I am planning to plant a curved internal hedge in my garden, about 3ft high and 100ft long, to divide the space. Although I am in a rural location and most of the trees and boundary hedging are native in style, I want this hedge to be evergreen and fairly formal, as a contrast, and as a backdrop to other plants. I'm nervous that box might be too "stiff". I would love common holly, but will it be possible to maintain it at this size? Any other ideas?