The season is great now for plants and looking at your pictures, i can tell the plants are in good conditions.
You know quite well about plants.
If you’re familiar with culinary bay leaves, the rich aroma of the California bay laurel leaves is similar.
We use this in preparing stew in my country, though i don't know if we are actually talking about same leaves. Over here its called Curry Leave, and it adds wonderful aroma to your stew.
Ah yes, I've had curry leaves also. They are different, but look similar and have lots of flavor.