Laurus nobilis – The Bay Tree – February Plant of the Month

Every garden deserves a Bay Tree – the rewards are many.

Bay was the ceremonial laurel the ancient Greeks and Romans who bestowed wreaths of bay as crowns for accomplished athletes, warrior heroes or poets.

Sweet bay, or bay laurel is the name given to this perennial evergreen tree which grows, very slowly.

Bay leaves are shiny, smooth and dark with a strong aromatic scent. The flowers are a creamy-yellow and fruits that follow are purple.

An ideal container plant, clip to maintain their shape or if planted in the garden choose a sunny position. Bay Trees can be planted as a specimen tree or they make a fabulous hedge.

Culinary use – Bay is one of the three herbs used in bouquet garni, the ‘broth posy’ used to flavour cooking. Use to flavour meat and vegetables, soup and stews, add a bay leaf when poaching fish.

Medicinal use – drink for indigestion and headaches.

Bay leaves can be harvested at any time of year – use immediately or dry before storing.

In our shrub area we have topiaries and chunky ball shaped Bays.