Carefully trained standard bay trees have been directed for several years to ensure they have an attractive spherical head, densely filled with dark green foliage.

Although best known for their towering height ( Italian cypress can grow to 20 metres tall, Leylandii cypress to 40 metres), conifer trees come in all sizes, including extra small. A neat dwarf pine, cedar, cypress or juniper tree is perfect for popping in a pot to bring a calming evergreen presence to a patio. Place in part shade and avoid full sun to prevent the foliage from scorching. 5. BayShaped bay trees are very slow-growing, but over time they can reach a significant size — more than 10 metres in height and 5 metres in width. For those who prefer their tree to remain smaller, topiary bays are extremely popular. These are usually grown in containers, positioned around front doors to frame an entrance or on patios as an architectural statement. The most frequently found forms are lollipop-shaped ‘standard’ bays. Alternatively, there are pyramid-shaped trees, akin to a softer version of a Christmas tree. There are several bay tree shapes available, but the standard and pyramid shapes are the most versatile for the garden. Standard Bay Tree / Laurus Nobilis Both the Greeks and Romans believed the bay would bring health and happiness. Bays were often planted outside a house to protect the inhabitants and leaves were carried to ward off evil spirits. As an evergreen, the bay was seen to represent eternity and immortality. Evergreen English yew (Taxus baccata) is a native conifer that responds particularly well to clipping and training. Although it will reach up to 20 metres as a full-grown tree, it will grow happily in containers where you can restrict its size by annual pruning. Keep container-grown yews well-fed and watered to maintain their luxuriant feathery foliage. 15. Oak

After this first repotting your tree will need to be repotted every few years as it continues to grow and deplete the nutrients in the potting soil. If the tree is too large to re-pot, you could refresh the potting soil by replacing up to 50% of the old soil with fresh. Feeding: Mulch topsoil with organic fertiliser and add slow-release fertiliser to the compost during the growing season. Feeding is not needed throughout winter. Bays do not react well to having wet feet or waterlogged soil so make sure the pot has good drainage is an important step. If you suspect that the pot isn't draining well enough then you will need to look to some ways to improve it. Bay trees can take light pruning throughout most of the year, however, the best time for you to start your pruning is in late spring which can then be finished throughout the summer. As bay varieties are used to hotter climates, watering them too much is an issue and they will not tolerate having wet feet. If your bay is planted in the ground make sure the drainage of the soil is sufficient enough. You can improve soils drainage by adding organic matter or grit to the soil. Cold and FrostLaurus nobilis is native to the Mediterranean. The botanical name derives from the Latin for “noble laurel.” Water the plant thoroughly, and keep it well watered for several weeks to allow the roots to bed in. The standard size and head size increase together, giving a balanced and proportionate look; the taller the trunk, the larger the width of foliage on top. Naturally, larger standard bays are at a premium, having been tended for a longer period of time. Pots made from porous materials such as terracotta and wood offer optimum growing conditions for trees and other permanent plants

If you live in a particularly cold area then we suggest moving the tree to an unheated greenhouse or conservatory to protect it from extreme temperatures and frost.English holly is another option for a front door tree grown in a pot. The traditional lollipop shape looks handsome in suitably large containers beside a front porch or stationed in a courtyard. If you want to enjoy bright red winter berries as well as glossy green foliage, choose a female tree, or plant several trees to ensure pollination. Japanese holly is worth considering, too: it grows well in containers and clips easily to shape (it's often used as an alternative to Box as it’s resistant to blight). Best fruit trees in pots Priestesses who worshiped Apollo would chew the bay tree berries before giving out prophecies. The berries are both a stimulant and a narcotic. People believed that putting laurel berries beneath your pillow would cause you to have prophetic dreams. Bay trees can produce tiny little yellow flowers. To produce any fruits, the female tree needs to be pollinated so if there is only one tree then it may never produce fruits. Hardiness: Mostly Hardy, can withstand temperatures down to -5°C. Bay trees may need extra protection from frost in winter, especially younger plants.