Women's Clothing Boutique Near Me Laurel Bay, NC

If you’ve ever have the chance to peek through a garden gate in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, you’ll likely observe a slew of specimen trees in pots (along with the equally requisite star jasmine and boxwood and acres of antique brick hardscape). The practice, in fact, has long been popular in landscape design across the South and beyond (envision, if you will, the orangeries at Versailles). Planting a flowering or fruiting or evergreen tree in a giant pot both offers texture in a garden and gives the eye a beautiful place to land.

It can be, however, a tricky endeavor for even the most seasoned of green thumbs. “I frequently plant trees in containers, but I don’t care what you choose to grow, they are a huge maintenance issue,” warns the North Carolina landscape designer Chip Callaway. Among his list of quirks to watch out for: “They are difficult to irrigate; even cold-hardy trees will not survive extreme cold; and they all have to be repotted every two to three years.” Wind is also an issue in some scenarios, “lest they topple in a storm.” Calloway soldiers on anyway. He often turns to Japanese black pines for a contemporary look; the Owari Satsuma mandarin orange offers literal fruit for your efforts; and Ligustrum is Callaway’s evergreen of choice. “The cursed Ligustrum is hard to beat in a container, though they need a lot of pruning,” Calloway says of what’s otherwise known as privet. “I never plant them in gardens because of the invasive issue, but they are tough, evergreen, and long-lived.”

Another North Carolina landscape designer, Laurie Durden, echoes Callaway’s sentiments. “Pretty much anything can grow in pots,” she says, “but most trees will outgrow them, and irrigation is a must. I also try to keep only seasonal plantings in them. I just installed some fabulous palms in a project, and they will not make it through winter, so we plan to remove them after the first cold snap.” Durden’s evergreen hack for a large pot that will bounce back? Podocarpus, or yew, pruned into a topiary, because its foliage is resilient even after a below-freezing episode.

As for me, I’ve had my sights set on potting a bay laurel—if you give them time to grow and mature, you can walk out to the garden and grab a few leaves for cooking. “Bay laurels are a great choice for container planting in the South,” says Tamara Hogan, of Fort Mill, South Carolina’s Fast Growing Trees. “They are hardy and incredibly fragrant, with glossy green foliage. If there is a desired shape that you’re going for, a rule of thumb for pruning is to trim only a third of the growth per year, so you don’t shock the tree. It’s better to go slow and keep a healthy plant versus forcing shape too soon.”

MOREHEAD CITY — They are neither confined to the Carolinas, nor are they bays. That their name is misleading is in many ways very appropriate for the enigmatic formations known as Carolina bays.

But it isn’t what they are that holds the mystery; rather it is how did they get here?

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Found in the coastal plains along the Atlantic shoreline, Carolina bays are shallow wetland depressions that are fed by rain or groundwater. They range in size from less than an acre to thousands of acres. Most of the 500,000 or so Carolina Bays are in the Carolinas and Georgia, with the highest concentration found in Bladen County in North Carolina’s southeast coastal plain.

The term “bay” is a nod to the various species of bay trees and shrubs commonly found growing alongside most Carolina bays, but they are also unique reservoirs of many species of carnivorous plants, salamanders, frogs, turtles, birds and mammals.

Viewed from the ground they could easily be overlooked. But when viewed from above, Carolina bays create a dramatic imprint on the landscape. They all have a distinct elliptical shape, with a northwest to southeast orientation. They could be described as the crop circles of the wetlands. And oddly, this wouldn’t be their only connection to extraterrestrial theories.

When aerial photography was used to survey farmland in the 1930s surveyors were surprised to see thousands of elliptical depressions across the Eastern Seaboard. Interest in their origin quickly grew, with hypotheses ranging from ocean currents, wind patterns and sinkholes, to meteor showers and prehistoric gigantic beavers.

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The mystery of the Carolina bays reached a fever pitch in the 1950s, when a respected University of North Carolina geologist named William Prouty steadfastly contended that the bays were a result of a meteor or comet colliding with the Earth over 12,000 years ago. This idea made quite an impact, so to speak, and debate continued for years about the cosmic nature of Carolina bays. One popular theory links the extinction event known as the Younger Dryas extinction (the same one responsible for wiping out the mammoth) to the formation of Carolina bays, suggesting that the wind and debris created from a comet colliding with the Earth near the Great Lakes region caused the depressions that became the bays.

Exploding comets and mass extinctions make for quite a dramatic birth story. And while everyone enjoys a bit of drama in their tales, doubt about the cosmic creation of Carolina bays led scientists to investigate individual bays more closely. What they found turned out to be a much more earthly creation process.

For instance, if Carolina Bays were the result of a single impact event then they should all be the same age.

“Data negates they [Carolina Bays] were formed at the same time,” said Anthony Rodriguez, associate professor of coastal geology at UNC’s Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City.

Rodriguez, along with then-graduate student Matt Waters and UNC associate professor, Michael Piehler, set out to study the origin and evolution of Lake Mattamuskeet, a conglomeration of multiple Carolina Bays in Hyde County on the Albemarle-Pamlico peninsula. Not only did they find no evidence linking these Carolina bays to a cosmic event such as the Younger Dryas extinction, but they also discovered that Lake Mattamuskeet is much younger, by at least 6,000 years, than Carolina bays were assumed to be.

Instead of an icy comet raining onto the Earth, Rodriguez and his colleagues discovered that Lake Mattamuskeet had a fiery beginning. Their analysis of the lake showed that cycles of burning peat associated with dry periods in the climate caused a basin to form where water later accumulated. Winds transported sand and silt, shaping the rim into the characteristic elliptical pattern. And, ta-da, after 1,000 years or so you have a Carolina bay.

When asked about the celestial hypothesis about the origin of Carolina bays, Rodriguez says carefully, “I think in the scientific community it certainly is not believed to be the case. But there is still a subset of believers in a cosmic beginning.”

He has reason to be careful in his response. A web search on Carolina bays brings up multiple sites that provide personal theories touting their cosmic beginnings, interspersed with a limited number of sites detailing the current scientific understanding. It appears that by many, the belief in a cosmic origin is still as passionately supported as it was in the 1950s.

This is not lost of Rodriguez. Parents to similarly aged children, Rodriguez and Piehler were surprised to open their children’s science textbook at a school open house to find that Carolina bays are still being linked to cosmic events.

“On one hand, at least they were in there,” said Rodriguez. “But this just isn’t the case. We couldn’t believe that this is still being told about Carolina bays.”

Still, Rodriguez and his colleagues are cautious to apply the results of their study on Lake Mattamuskeet to explain the origin of other Carolina bays.

“Although we think Lake Mattamuskeet formed by a peat fire, and other bays also might have, they probably aren’t all formed this way,” said Rodriguez.

But he does believe that wind is the driving force in shaping most, if not all, Carolina bays into their characteristic elliptical shape.

“These are soft substrates that shift with wind direction over time. The old timers, from the ‘30s to ‘50s, if you draw a line along the long axis (of the Carolina bays they surveyed) that line shifts a little bit as you move farther south. This goes along with wind direction,” explained Rodriguez.

Despite the growing understanding of the origin of some Carolina bays, the vast majority of them have yet to be closely studied. Rodriguez notes that he has had difficulty receiving funding for additional studies on Carolina bays, causing him to table future research on other sites.

And while some are protected as state or national parks, many of the Carolina Bays are already gone. Over the years, thousands of Carolina Bays have been drained and turned into farmland, recreational spaces, or converted to roadways — erasing these unique geological and ecological formations — and taking the mystery of their origin with them.

Large brown patches of the dead trees blight the beautiful landscape along the coastal plain. In the woodlands from southern Virginia to Florida and on to eastern Texas, for centuries red bay trees have been a major understory tree. They have thrived in parks and back yards. Suddenly the red bays are dead, dying and at risk of extinction.

Laurel wilt is the cause. It is a relatively new plant disease carried by an exotic beetle. This is yet another case of a non-native species invading our forests, parks and backyards. The disease is caused by a fungus carried by the red bay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus) which is native to parts of Asia.

The beetle was first detected in Georgia in 2002. It made its way from Asia to the U.S. embedded in wooden shipping materials that came into Port Wentworth near Savannah. Since its identification the beetle has already moved into the red bay tree population in eight coastal states.

Scientists believe the beetle, unaided, moves at a rate of about 20 miles per year. However, just as the beetle was assisted by humans in its jump from Asia to the southeastern US, it is likely the beetle has had human help with its local journey too. Dying red bay trees reflect the beetles track northward as far as southeastern North Carolina. A trail of dead and dying trees leads southward through the entire state of Florida and west across the Gulf States to Texas. That’s more than 20 miles per year.

Laurel wilt is a fungus disease that affects certain trees in the laurel family, particularly red bay (Persea borbonia) and swamp bay. Other susceptible plants include sassafras, avocado, spicebush, pond spice and camphor. Loblolly bay and sweet bay (magnolias) have not been susceptible to the disease.

Female ambrosia beetles carry laurel wilt fungus in their mouth parts. The female beetle deposits the fungus as she bores into a tree to lay her eggs. The fungus grows in the tunnels she has hollowed out and feeds the developing larvae. The disease disrupts a tree’s circulatory system, blocking the movement of water from its roots to the rest of the tree. As a result, the tree wilts and dies.

The first symptom of laurel wilt appears as toothpick-like tubes of sawdust that jut out from bore holes in the trunk or branches of a tree. Boring dust around the base of a tree indicates a major invasion, but wind and water can easily carry away this fragile evidence. The tree’s leaves droop and turn red, purple and brown. A peeling away of the bark on the trunk reveals black streaking on the sapwood. Trees typically die within six months of infection.

Red bays are significant for ecological reasons. Deer and black bear browse on their evergreen foliage. Songbirds, quail and wild turkeys feed on the trees’ blue berries. Palamedes swallowtail butterflies depend on the dark green leaves to lay their eggs and nourish their larvae.

The rapid demise the once plentiful tree has already changed the species make up in affected areas where other types of trees are replacing the red bays.

The avocado, also in the laurel family, is economically valuable in Florida where avocado production is an important industry. Laurel wilt has already been identified in isolated cases among avocado trees.

Laurel wilt is established. Forestry and environmental professionals warn that, tragically, we may lose all of our red bay trees. We are unable stop the spread of the beetle and associated fungus, but we can slow its movement.

Sanitation is a critical part of management. The South Carolina Forestry Commission urges homeowners to keep infected wood on site where it may be cut, chipped and burned. (Remember to comply with local ordinances relating to an outdoor burn.) They advise that diseased wood should not be transported unless it is to the local landfill.

Homeowners, campers, fishermen, second home owners and vacationers should not transport firewood. Instead, it should be bought where it will be burned.

If you suspect you have a diseased red bay tree on your property call your local extension office.

Straightforward advice for planting and growing easy-care, evergreen cherry laurel as a tree or shrub.

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) welcomes spring with boldly fragrant blossoms. The 4- to 6-inch-long flower spikes are popular with pollinators. After the flowers fade, cherry laurel produces purple-black fruit that is a food source for songbirds. Glossy, evergreen leaves make this easy-to-grow shrub an excellent plant for a mixed shrub border, hedge, or foundation planting. It also can be grown as a small tree.

The leaves, seeds, fruits, and stems of cherry laurel are toxic to humans and pets.1

Where to Plant Cherry Laurel

Cherry laurel is prized for its ability to grow in full sun or deep shade. In Zones 6 and 7, this shrub or small tree grows best in sun or shade, while in Zones 8 and 9, it does best in partial shade to full shade. Cherry laurel prefers loose, well-drained, fertile soil but tolerates poor, sandy, and clay soil. Don’t plant it in mucky, wet soil. It is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant and tolerates salt spray.

How and When to Plant Cherry Laurel

Plant cherry laurel in early spring or fall. Dig a planting hole slightly larger than the shrub or tree’s root ball. Situate the root ball in the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with the surrounding soil. Backfill the planting hole with the native soil and water the plant deeply. Cover the root zone with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch to reduce soil moisture loss.

Water the newly planted cherry laurel as needed to receive about 1 inch of water per week. After two months, the plant should have established a robust root system in the native soil, and supplemental watering can be reduced. Water as needed during periods of drought.

Cherry Laurel Care Tips

Cherry laurel grows best in part to full shade in Zones 8 and 9 and grows well in full sun or shade in Zones 6 and 7. In hot regions, such as the Deep South, it benefits from some afternoon shade. It also grows in deep shade and thrives, but it grows slowly there.

Cherry laurel grows well in average, well-drained soil, but it tolerates dry soil and clay once it is established. After it develops a robust root system, cherry laurel is drought-tolerant. It also tolerates salty conditions. Do not plant cherry laurel in a wet, soggy site. Water cherry laurel regularly for the first two months after planting. After that, water as needed during extended dry periods.

Heat and humidity are no problem for cherry laurel. This tough shrub is beloved for its ability to flower, fruit, and thrive through long periods of high heat and humidity. In Zones 8 and 9, plant it where it receives afternoon shade to shield it from the most intense heat of the day.

Fertilizer is not required. If desired, fertilize plants in early spring by spreading a 2-inch-thick layer of well-decomposed compost over the root zone or use an all-purpose fertilizer according to the product instructions.

Prune cherry laurel in spring after the flowers fade. When planted in ideal growing conditions—moist, well-drained soil and sun or shade—cherry laurel grows quickly and requires regular pruning to keep it in bounds. Cherry laurel tolerates shearing well and can be sculpted into a formal shape, but it is easiest to maintain when it is allowed to develop a natural form.

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Cherry laurel can grow in a container that offers good drainage. It is sensitive to overwatering and prefers to grow in well-drained soil that is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Water cherry laurel growing in a container with care. The plant is a fast grower, so it may outgrow its container. When it does, choose a larger container for repotting, or replant the cherry laurel outside in the garden.

Pests and Problems

Cherry laurel is troubled by few pests. Pests and diseases are typically problematic only on trees that grow in stressful environments. Extreme drought, wet or soggy soil, and full sun in Zones 8 and 9 can create weak growth that makes the plant susceptible to pest and disease problems. Aphids, mites, and peachtree borers can be problematic on stressed plants. Use neem oil to treat these unwanted pests.

How to Propagate Cherry Laurel

Propagate cherry laurel with stem cuttings. Cut 6-8 inches from the tips of healthy stems. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cuttings and cut half off any remaining leaves. Dip the bottom half of each cutting into rooting hormone and plant it in a small pot filled with well-draining potting soil. Water the soil, but don’t make it soggy.

Place a clear plastic bag over the cutting and pot, and place it in a warm, bright location with a temperature of about 65°F to 75°F. Monitor it and water only when needed to maintain moist soil. It takes only a few weeks for the cuttings to grow roots.

Types of Cherry Laurel

There are several cherry laurel cultivars. Each cultivar differs by size and sometimes growth habit. Common cultivars include:

Schipka cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’) is an upright shrub with a vase shape. Its fragrant, white flowers appear in spring. With its narrow base, it’s perfect for perennial borders or adding to a mixed shrub planting. It grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide. It tolerates alkaline soil. Zones 5–9

Volcano cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Jong1’) has a rounded, compact form. Its new leaves emerge with dark red tones and mature to bright green in summer. It grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. This compact cherry laurel is perfect for filling in empty spaces in the landscape. Zones 6–9

Greenfinity cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Greenfinity’) produces small white flowers in spring and has bright green new growth that matures to rich green in summer. It grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Zones 5-10

Cherry Laurel Companion Plants

Pair cherry laurel with other easy-to-grow flowering shrubs for a colorful hedge planting that attracts pollinators.

Rhododendrons (and their smaller cousins, azaleas) are prized for their glossy green foliage and showy clusters of spring blooms. The most common flower colors are purples and pinks, but there are also white and cream varieties. Most rhododendrons prefer a shady location, but a few new varieties are available for sunny areas.

Arrowwood viburnum is an upright shrub that offers a good show of orange-yellow fall color, clusters of white flowers in spring to late summer, and blue-black fruits in fall. It grows 10 feet tall and wide. It is listed as invasive in a few northeastern states, so check with a horticultural expert before planting in those areas. Zones 3-8

Gardenias are known for their intoxicating sweet fragrance produced by waxy white blossoms. These beautiful evergreen plants boast shiny, emerald-green foliage. A unique trait of gardenia blossoms is that they typically bloom as a bright, clean white and fade to a creamy yellow as they age. The plants grow from 3 to 10 feet tall. Zones 8-10.

Potentilla has crisp, neat foliage and charming flowers that resemble anemones. It grows to only 3 feet tall and slightly wider. This hardy shrub blooms in a broad color range over a long period from late spring to autumn, attracting pollinators. When the leaves drop in fall, a reddish peeling bark is revealed. Zones 2–7

Frequently Asked Questions

Laurel Bay soon will be getting more curb appeal, as developers announced plans Friday to demolish and rebuild 42 outdated homes in the housing community for personnel at Beaufort County's three military installations.

The $12-million project will replace vacant, ranch-style houses, some about 60 years old, with single-family homes and duplexes equipped with two-car garages, screened porches and other features, said Kathleen Murney, vice president of project developer Lend Lease.

The updates will keep energy efficiency in mind. Each new unit will include double-pane windows, thicker insulation and Energy Star appliances. The developer plans to recycle about 60 percent of construction debris.

"I'm so proud of our ability to take down older homes and rebuild these new beautiful homes that are large and spacious and provide that quality of life our military service members deserve," Murney said Thursday. "What we're able to do, I think, is better than anything that has come before."

Demolition will begin within six to eight months. Construction should begin 18 months to two years later.

A second community-improvement project, costing $13 million to $18 million, is already underway at Laurel Bay. Over the next two to three years, Lend Lease plans to upgrade more than 1,035 remaining 1950s- and '60s-era units, replacing and updating roofs, flooring, and heating and air systems.

"It's rather extensive work that's being done," Murney said.

Lend Lease is renovating 40 to 50 homes per month, working on them after residents move.

Friday afternoon's announcement kicked off a celebration honoring 10 years of privatized housing at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Naval Hospital Beaufort and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

The bases' military housing communities are all managed by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities, a division of Lend Lease.

Housing on each base, as well as at Camp Lejeune, N.C., will be undergoing updates similar to those at Laurel Bay.

At Pine Grove on the air station, 136 duplexes are slated for demolition to prepare for a potential runway expansion. Renovations will begin next year at the vacant General Officer Quarters 1 at Parris Island, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. And at the naval hospital, 53 duplexes will receive energy upgrades.

At Laurel Bay, Murney said she was confident the future holds more improvements.

"As we get funding and as we get money for the project, we're able to do more and more," Murney said.

Follow reporter Rebecca Lurye on Twitter at twitter.com/IPBG_Rebecca.

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This story was originally published October 4, 2013, 8:12 PM.