Bay laurel has long been associated with English country gardens, prized for it's ornamental and culinary value. Grown as a standard tree, hedging or in topiary forms it adds great evergreen structure to the garden. Synonymous with herb gardens, the foliage is aromatic and can used in cooking to add an interesting flavour to slow cooked dishes. Bay trees originate from the Mediterranean and require well drained, fertile soil in a full sun position, sheltered from cold winds. Reliably hardy down to -5 and colder if planted in a sheltered position. Bay half standards (lolipops) do really well in planters if ground is not suitable.