Laurus or Bay belongs to the Lauraceae family. Laurus nobilis bears very pungent dark green leaves which can be dried and used in cooking for flavour. It bears small yellow male flowers in pompoms in April, and fruits the size of a small olive in September to October. It can be grown in ordinary soil in a sunny position and can easily be pruned to keep it to a manageable size. It can be grown as a specimen, in groups, in containers, or as a windbreak in the south of France.