Q. Is it possible to grow a bay-leaf tree inside the house?

A. Under the right circumstances, a bay tree, Laurus nobilis, makes a perfect specimen plant indoors during the winter and outside during the summer months. Bay trees are often sold in containers and occasionally have been trained into standards with one main trunk and a big ball of foliage at the top. The leaves can be picked fresh or dried for bay seasoning. During the winter, a bright spot with a few hours of direct sunlight a day is best. Water very sparingly in winter and let the potting mix dry out before watering again. Like ivy, Laurus does not mind cool conditions and also benefits from regular misting of the foliage.