I am redoing my garden beds and managed to score a huge cutting of an agave. I really want it to be the center of the bed but I am worried about the damage. Will it survive? Is there anything that I can do to help it? If not, any ideas where to get a similar cutting or plant in Melbourne?

It will be fine if the stem is in decent shape. I started one from a piece not too different in size



and it went on to flower and branch in the years since. So strong odds for you. These are really easy to start from (rootless) cuttings. I have a few cooking on the patio at the moment.

Can you share a picture of the bottom side? The main danger at this point would probably be to overwater. Without roots the plant cannot take up water, so don't go nuts with the hose early on. A good soaking every couple of weeks is probably plenty unless it's particularly hot and dry.

This agave should be relatively common where agaves are found and temperatures permit (it is intolerant of extreme heat and cold).