In article , rbel wrote:

I wonder if anyone has experience of looking after standard shrubs. We
are considering getting a pair of 1/2 standard bay (Laurus Nobilis) or
something similar. They would be planted in containers in a ESE
facing location that is relatively sheltered. Given that we are in S
Devon there should not be much in the way of problems with frost.

You need LARGE containers and good drainage, but otherwise that
is a fairly common way of growing bay. You could underplant with
thyme or similar, if you want to. Don't let them dessicate, but
bay doesn't mind drying out to a moderate extent.

Given that we are considering 1/2 standards rather than full standards
we had thought of using 50 cms planters filled with a mix of JI 3 and
grit. I like the idea of underplanting with thyme.

That sounds plausible, but you needn't have a very gritty mixture;
just as long as it drains. 50 cm planters are right sods if you
have to move them, so they count as pretty large!


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.