Laurus nobilis – Ball (Common Bay)

The very familiar kitchen or ‘Common’ Bay tree, here boulderised into tight deep green boules. A classic aromatic with a lovely texture we’d say was ‘medium’. The leaves are shiny and tough yet have a delicate ellipse shape, and their glossiness means they never look gloomy or heavily dense. A great addition to any garden: their forms are architectural and sculptural without ever looking neurotic or self-consciously contrived. Fab for shape and structure and bringing just a touch of Classical formality to a garden design, much fun could be had playing with height and combining these with their standard and half-standard siblings to create landscapes full of character. Spheres like these contrast gorgeously with spikes and plume-shapes: off the top of our heads let’s say any fan palm (Trachycarpus or Chamaerops) and Italian cypress for a striking collection of eye catching shapes. These do well in pots, too, and look especially yummy, melon-balled as they are, in sturdy terracotta urns.

The Laurus nobilis Family