If it means I don’t have to look at any more poodled junipers, I’m all for it: Switzerland places ban on humiliation of plants.

Fans of Plant Amnesty’s horrible pruning gallery will doubtless be disappointed to find that Switzerland, at least, won’t be contributing photos anytime soon.

A law’s been amended to state that vegetation has innate value and that it is morally wrong to partake in activities such as the “decapitation of wildflowers at the roadside without rational reason.”

It’s about dang time. I can’t tell you how badly I want to swat those little boys who swirl around, stick in hand, lopping the tops off poppies and girdling the bark of our poor local trees. After reading Harry Potter I had delighful Whomping Willow-style fantasies about the trees fighting back.

How long till we follow Switzerland’s enlightened lead? Judging by how often I am asked to poodle or top a tree by otherwise kind and thoughtful individuals – it might be a while before change comes to our shores!