We’ve checked out a trial copy of a digital plant library called Horticopia here in the office – after all, not everyone here is a plant nerd and us real nerds have better things to do than answer questions and enjoy the sound of our own voices sounding smart all day.* It has all the info that you would expect from a quality plant encyclopedia, loads of pretty printable piccys and it can go everywhere with you on your laptop.

At Ashridge Trees HQ, we have a very advanced system for logging all the queries that come in from our customers. Her name is Frances and we’d be in deep trouble without her, so please be nice to her when you give us a call.

One question that she’s heard a few times is about which of the three famous laurel bushes to use in a particular site. Cherry or Common Laurel, Portugal Laurel and Bay Laurel will all do well in shady spots, although Bay Laurel won’t be happy in very deep shade.