BAY LAUREL

Used by the Greeks and Romans in their victory crows and garlands - nobilis means "renowned" - bay laurel is an evergreen perennial. In cold climates, grow it in a container that can be moved indoors in the winter. In temperate climates, it grows easily and can reach a height of 40 feet. Bay laurel has a reputation for being difficult to propagate from seed or cuttings. It may be easier to purchase a small plant from a nursery.

Place bay laurel in a location with rich, well-drained soil and filtered to full sun. In spring, it requires regular watering. Keep it on the dry side for the rest of the year, even if growing it indoors.

Grow bay laurel as a standard, a small tree with a single, strong trunk that can support the foliage head. The leaves are fragrant and shiny. It has clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in early summer, followed by small purplish black berries. Bay laurel responds well to close pruning and is an easy plant to espalier against a wall, shear into a hedge or form' into a topiary.

Cut and gather the branches in any season for wreaths. The leaves keep their shape, although their dark green color lightens with drying. Pluck leaves at any time to use in recipes where their spicy flavor is desired. Remove leaves before serving because their edges are sharp and should not be swallowed. Place whole fresh leaves in canisters of rice, flour and cereals to serve as insect repellents. Leaves can be dried and stored but lose their pungency. Crumble dried leaves into potpourris and sachets or add them to bathwater for a soothing soak.

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