 Est. 2008; bringing nature & gardeners together Feb 7, 2025
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NURSERY NOTES: visit Sunshine Community Gardens tomorrow (Feb 8) at 11 a.m. for a deep dive into the world of tomatoes, led by horticulturist Patty Leander. S.C.G. 🌿 Also tomorrow, 10 - 11 a.m. "Roses in the Landscape" at the Natural Gardener, by the Rose Emporium: TNG 🌿
 Over at Barton Spring Nursery on Feb 27, Matthew Gaston, the dashing director of education at Zilker, will instruct gardeners on Success with Houseplants. $10. BSN Get to know Matthew here: You Tube 🌿
On Sunday (Feb. 9) join Austin Davenport for a tree planting class at Circle Acres Preserve from 1 - 3 p.m. Austin will focus on the soil's microbiome and the use of amendments to boost fungal and microbial activity. Free: Central Texas Mycology 🌿
Fruitful Commons invites gardeners to its "Tree Health Workshop" at Festival Beach Food Forest on Feb 15, 11 - 1 p.m. Learn about Rooting through the seasons; preparing for severe weather; pruning practices. Free. TreeFolks 🌿
COLORS FROM NATURE: in her home-design book "Biophilia," author Sally Coulthard encourages readers to choose paints and colors that reflect the rich variety found in the natural world. House & Garden ❦
HOW TO BUILD A NATURAL SWIMMING POOL: With a minimum of materials and without an arsenal of chemicals, you can build an idyllic water oasis right in your own backyard and be ready for summertime’s sultry dog days. Average price tag: $2,000. Mother Earth News ❦
THE AUSTIN GARDEN relies entirely on support from its readers. Please consider making a donation to support this bi-monthly publication. Whether an annual or monthly donation, all are welcomed. (At the moment only 6% of readers support
us.) Many thanks in advance. PayPal link ❦
 Winter's Amber Treasure: the Versatile Soapberry
by Figbeard
With winter blanketing Central Texas, take part in one of nature’s quiet marvels, the Western Soapberry tree. It offers beauty in the landscape, habitat for native species, and pragmatic uses for natural living.
Wonderland of Amber Jewels
In the grey of winter, Western Soapberry dazzles. Clusters of marble-sized, golden-amber fruits cling to bare branches throughout winter. Their translucent flesh reveals a single black seed inside.
Resilient Host for Native Pollinators
Soapberry thrives in diverse soils, aided by nitrogen-fixing root nodules. As a hardy native, its flowers feed pollinators and host the Soapberry Hairstreak butterfly.
Saponins for Soap and Suds
Spoiler: Soapberries make soap! High in saponins, the berries create a soapy lather when crushed with water.
Handle with Care: Toxicity Awareness
It’s safe for skin, but toxic if eaten. All parts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals. Keep out of reach of kids, pets, and livestock.
Historical and Modern Uses
Indigenous peoples used soapberries for medicine and fish-stunning poison. Some cooked the berries to reduce toxins or only ate them as “famine food.” Today, you can use it for eco-friendly hand soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent. Woodworkers and craftspeople also like the wood because it’s strong but lightweight, tight grained, and relatively easy to cut and carve.
Planting, Foraging, and Conservation
If untended, soapberry seedlings often sprout around the tree and grow into a soapberry cluster, so placement and maintenance matters. Foragers should only harvest sparingly because the tree faces threats from invasive soapberry borers.
A Golden Opportunity to Connect with Nature
Soapberry is one of many fruit trees with rich history, ecology, and connection to human invention. ❦
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Figbeard is a fruit tree consultant, author, and storyteller who hosts workshops and discussions that celebrate our timeless bonds with trees. Sign up for Figbeard’s updates, and let the soapberry’s golden glow guide your next winter woodland walk. © Figbeard 2025. Licensed for reproduction and distribution via the Austin Gardener email newsletter for February, 2025. All other rights reserved. www.figgyb.com
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