Filling/planting a built-in pot

alex329

We recently moved house and removed an overgrown cyprese tree from the front. I built a small wall around where the tree was and would like to plant a laurier tin (Viburnum tinus) in it's place. My questions are how to tackle the planting and to make sure I don't have problems further down the line. The 
- Should I fill it with soil only or add bricks / breeze blocks at the bottom?
- Should I do anything about drainage? There are no holes in the sides of the walls and the bottom of the pot has the old stump and doesn't look like it will drain well (although it may be sufficient).
 - Is there anything else I should be aware of before going ahead?

I've included some pics which will hopefully make things clear.

Thanks for your help

nick615

Drainage is an absolute MUST.  If you don't make a hole of some sort at the base (or two) the next wet weather will waterlog it.

Lizzie27

Is that your house wall at the back? if so, you must put a dampproof membrane between the soil and the wall or you will have problems with damp. As Nick says, it would be best to drill small holes in the wall mortar at 1-2 ft intervals at ground level for drainage purposes.