Bay Watch

My Bay tree Laurus nobilis has been growing successfully in an old tyre in the back yard for the last 10 years, supplying my stews with aromatic flavour. The next-door pot houses a very beautiful pink jasmine, which hitherto has kept itself in bushy shape. This Spring I fed it for the first time and from being pink, petite and feminine it transformed into a verdant type of giant squid, throwing out twisty arms to embrace and then submerge the Bay. I got around to starting a rescue program yesterday with secateurs, but so far, the convolutions of the jasmine are undefeated.
Interestingly, Willow Number 3  identification  is 'Bay Willow' Salix pentandra. This is a Northern species which I found on the margin of Bassenthwaite lake today and indeed its leaves are very similar to my noble Bay. The leaves are just as glossy and dark green, although not as stiff. The Willow has tiny teeth edging each leave and a rather more pointed end. It is supposed to have a distinctive smell but certainly the fresh leaves do not. Perhaps like the goat willow they need to dry out a bit.
In the picture the Bay is centre with Bay Willow fronds to either side.