I'm thinking of ordering Bayberry bushes for my bog garden down by the pond, as the description I found for them said the will grow in swampy to dry soil, which my "bog garden" has any variation at times.
Anyone know how much work it is to make candles from the berries? :)
these three are going to be from a nursery from I believe the University Of Idaho.
This nursery sells seedlings cheap like the two nurseries I get from through the county conservation office (Montana State Nursery, and a nursery off in South Dakota).:)
They have better info on their bushes and trees, which should help me get things growing with better survival rates.:)
The Bayberry Bushes I think are good for food and nesting for birds as well as candles.:)
The Hack-berry Trees sound as tough as nails, and a good source of food for the birds as well as myself, plus I think a source of firewood later on.:)
And the Idaho Poplar Trees are a variety of poplar that do well in this part of the country, and may help me get some shade trees growing as well as also providing firewood later on.:)
They have Purple Sage Brush, which I am very tempted to get, but they might not survive the winters hear as they are not quite cold tolerant enough.
Larry,
It takes 4-5 pounds of berries to make 1 pound
of wax. You have to boil them down until the
waxy coating on them dissolves. allow to cool,
and skim off the floating wax. When you have enough wax for your candles,heat it up,strain it, and pour as you would any candle. Good luck.
Ken
Sounds easy enough! :)
Now if I can get the Bayberries to grow and get enough to satisfy both the birds and my candle making needs! ;)
Interesting. Grow your own wax. I buy paraffin wax by the 10 lb slab to make candles with. I used to buy it by the 55lb case, but shipping got too high. My advice is to buy a slab of paraffin wax and a bottle of Bayberry fragrance oil.
paraffin wax candles make me sick, and so do some imitation scents, besides the bayberry bushes are something that I might be able to get to grow here that sounded neat, although do I have very hungry birds around here that will probably eat all the berries! :D
You can buy Soy wax or Palm wax, or even Bees wax. Making your own wax could prove to be quite a challenge.
And I'm looking forward to spring planting already! :D
As well as hoping my Bayberries do well as I found out they are a more healthy alternative to suet for the birds. :)
