On 2010-03-20 20:32:53 +0000, rbel said:


We removed some very elderly shrubs and some rather sick large escallonias
last autumn from some metre plus wide borders and would be grateful for
suggestions as to what to replace them with. Preferably evergreen,
flowering or just attractive foliage and shape.

How good is bay (Lauris nobilis) at growing near the sea? All of
the above, plus useful, though its flowers are short-lived and not
spectacular.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.