The order from Forest Farm arrived today in excellent condition. I had placed an order for two Sapindus drummondii trees as well as three Lindera benzoin shrubs.
The Lindera has several edible uses. A tea can be made from the leaves. The dried berries can be used in place of pepper or allspice. The berries can also be used fresh to season meat, stews or soups, however they do need to be crushed. The fresh berries make a great drink as well that is similar to ginger ale. The sticks of the spice bush can also be used to flavor soups. This is a plant I have wanted for some time. In addition to having all of these uses, it is native and attracts birds and butterflies.
The Sapindus trees, once they grow, will produce a fruit that can be dried and used as a soap. These dried fruits are known as soap nuts and they make a great natural laundry detergent.
Jerry helped dig the holes for these five plants tonight. We amended the soil with compost, watered them in well and will now wait until spring to see how well they do over the winter. Hopefully there is plenty of time for them to get a good start on rooting in before the bad weather hits.
Sheri
