Depends how & who one asks, is it a friend (that'd be OK w me), A stranger, not OK for me. Has nothing to do w/ if it's an easy plant or not. It's about what if any relationship one has w/ owner of plant. My 2 cents.

In the past, I've had people stop and admire (and ask for cutting) or some of my outdoor plants. I think I've always obliged. Of course, if they asked for something that wasn't easy (ie tree that doesn't root from cuttings), I am sure I wouldn't...but never actually crossed that bridge yet.

I did actually tell someone that they had to harvest their own plant on one occassion. At a previous home, I had a cactus garden, and an older couple wanted a start of the large padded opuntia that I had (6 feet tall). There were pads that had fallen off in the road ditch and rooted, I provided a shovel for him to collect a couple. I think he might have taken a cholla pad too, but I am sure I didn't collect that either ;)

If I wanted somebody’s plant, I’d ask if owner knew of a store where I could get one, leaving it open for owner to offer info or cutting. If no response, I’d not pursue further.

as for asking me, those around me see gardening as work, so don’t expect they will ask. I gave a fave neighbor a big rooted angel trumpet and next time I went to see her, plant was in the same spot she put it when I handed it to her, except it was a dead stick. I didn’t take it personally as: 1) she didn’t ask for it 2) it was unwanted in my garden. But it did convince me gardening around me is viewed as something you hire out or just more work, not a peace-seeking hobby.

As a general rule, what I grow is not readily available from any local store-front. But I see your point. I really don't have any reason not to share in most cases.

I've often asked people I know well for cuttings and sometimes offered swaps. But more often people offer me plants/cuttings. Over the internet it can be a "mixed bag" of situations. Sent plants to a young student and paid the postage myself to help her get a start. An older gardener emailed me to get plants I'd shown photos of. I said I'd do it if they paid postage, no cost for the plants. Never heard from them again. There were some that wanted a swap but after I sent my plants never got anything in return, not even any reply to my emails. Of course the prize one was someone who said they'd send money to cover postage costs. They got the plants and sent back a "funny looking cheque". The bank told me it wasn't a real cheque. Never heard from them again either. Gardeners come in all different shapes, sizes and levels of ethical behaviour. Most of them are good though.

Kristine, I'm a huge believer in ASKING. I'm a horticultural professional and have gained access to some wonderful plants by asking.

Start the conversation by saying how much you love the plant, you've never seen anything like it. This isn't the best time of year for rooting cuttings; are you experienced?

Veering a bit, but I have to say that I've found a number of horticultural businesses (awaiting a package today in fact) that take no money up front, and send plants, and wait for checks or other payment. Which goes to show that most gardeners that frequent speciality shops must be honest. It surprises me in this day and age though.

I agree with rhizo, nothing wrong with asking as long there is some nice conversation with it. I will tell them that if they ever trim it that I would love a piece if it was ok with them. I have more than once had someone hand me the entire plant or want me to take a few plants because they wanted to thin down.

I am a bee keeper and will offer honey or clippings of my plants for their kindness.

I wouldn't mind being asked. If it's something I won't share I'd just explain why. Surprised being asked bothers some people.

I'm in the "it depends on how they ask camp". If it is someone whom I don't know just walks up to me and out of the blue and asks, I'll most likely say "no." If, on the other hand, they strike up a pleasant conversation and during the course of that interaction, I'd be far more likely to say "yes." Now if I do say "no" and the person can't take "no" as an answer, then I would get annoyed.

When I lived in Miami Beach, people would just take things. I’d have loved to have been asked! ;)

It depends on how you ask it, but never ask expecting a yes. Just observe basic courtesy, imagine if you had pie and someone wanted a slice of it, how would you feel depending on who/how they asked?

I personally don't mind as long as the person is courteous and isn't expecting something as if you owe it to them. We all have met folks like that :( A cutting is not hard to give and imo a nice gesture. It depends on the size and type of plant too. I'll be happy to give my spearmint, marble queen pothos and some succulents I don't intend to keep. But I can't share a succulent if I only own a single head of it and it's the perfect mini size - there's not enough to share! :)

I think I made the mistake of my life. I did not want to ask or bother a neighbour for a cutting. i sent them a greeting card by mail and i gave my information snd politely asked. the lady (a curmodgean) called me, and said, this means, ill go out, dig out a piece, and wait for you to pick. i will not do that. she also mentioned something about calling the police. i was literally shocked. I apologized and told her thats why i mailed a card instead if personally asking. I will not bother you again.

your problem is the neighbor.. not the request ..

that aside... i would just say to whomever.. next time you are pruning.. can i have a piece ... or digging around.. etc ..

youd be surprised how often they [or me when at my house].. just whips out the pruners they/i ALWAYS have in my back pocket.. and just snip a piece ... or the shovel i usually drag around on garden tours of my own garden...

so.. probably.. i hang with a group of gardeners ... not commoners.. lol ...

in fact. a lot of peeps quit coming over.. after i fill there trunk with stuff ive been trying to give away .. lol ..

ken