THIS WEEK'S TIP FROM GARDEN GURU SUE BOTH

A Noble tree for your Herb Garden

bay tree

Join us this week Friday for our FREE online workshop on DESIGNING A HERB GARDEN!

This week’s prize will be sponsored by Kirchhoff’s.

Please use the following login details to join us at 11am sharp over Zoom:
Meeting ID: 815 4342 0884 | Passcode: 575427or use the following direct link: https://bit.ly/3eyryKn

A Noble tree for your Herb Garden

The Bay tree (Laurus nobilus) is frequently mentioned in ancient Greek mythology. This handsome, evergreen tree which symbolises courage and strength was also treasured by the Roman gods, who wore sprigs of Bay as crowns to represent their high status and glory.
Ancient Greek myths also associated the Bay with their God Apollo, this tree is one of his most important symbols, and in turn, a wreath of Bay was given as the prize at the Pythian Games, to honour him. 

This story begins with Apollo’s pursuit of the beautiful nymph Daphne. She did not love Apollo and so she pleaded with her father, the River God, Peneus, to turn her into a tree. According to the myth, he turned her into a Bay tree. Apollo decided that since he could not have his beloved Daphne as his wife, he would instead decorate himself with Bay sprigs made from her branches.
The beautiful Bay tree has glossy, evergreen leaves, which have been treasured for centuries for their aromatic sweetness. These leaves can be made into a Bouquet Garni to add a delicious flavour to soups and stews. The Bay tree’s pale yellow flowers, which blossom in spring, are wonderful for wildlife and especially loved by our bees and butterflies.

Plant your Bay Laurel tree in full sun and well drained soil with ample compost and Talborne organic 3:1:5.