Lancashire, United Kingdom

Have two topiary bay trees in pots that seem to be looking very sickly after the prolonged cold spell and extreme low temperatures last winter. They were fleeced and placed by a wall throughout the winter months and have to say when the fleece came off they looked remarkably healthy. However within a matter of weeks they both started to go down hill. The leaves are not a healthy green with many starting to go a greyish brown and no live branch in which to cut back too. Have checked for all the usual signs ie bugs, watering, soil problems etc. and nothing evident. Even after a feed no sign of any new growth. I am now at a loss. Could anyone please help - would be extremely grateful for any advice.

On plant Laurus Nobilis

• 8 May, 2011