Don't the gumballs contain seeds from the parent tree? Do you find that you get unwanted seed sprouts once the husks break down in the soil?

@Suga

When my parents had their 5 acre property, they had those trees I could get the gum balls to place into my containers and on top of my beds, but they haven't had that property since 2006 and I don't have access to those. They were great to have.

What a great idea. Now I will have to go around town looking for Platanus occidentalis.

I think it's this plant, Lynn.

I agree, these are the seed pods from a Sweet Gum tree. When a newcomer to the south, I was told these were porcupine eggs. I was not that gullible.

These seed pods broke me from going barefoot in the yard and become wicked missiles when mowing. The trees get doughty in the middle have crashed down when you least expect it. The soft wood doesn't even make good firewood. The only good aspect is the beautiful fall foliage.

I have grown to hate these seed pods but at last can see the value. I don't have much for volunteer weeds in my containers but these should act as a mulch to retain moisture. Thanks for a great idea.

Great idea! Even though I don't have access to any, I love hearing about finding a use for something that seems to have no purpose!

I see. We have Platanus occidentalis here, but I see there is also a difference in the fruit.
I love to learn something new. Thank you Chelle.

Thanks everyone glad to pass it along x

I've never had any problem with any sprouts coming up when I have used these and I've used them for years. In pots and under my hosta's. Just a little info. If anyone would like me to send you a box full, you pay the postage and send me your address I will be glad to pick up some and send them to you as long as they last. They should start falling soon and when you get the box you can see what the postage is and you can just send me the amount back

@Suga

Just sent my address to you.

Thank you!!! You're an angel!

Got it thx! Will let you know when they are on the way. Right now we are in this flood zone area so if there were any that had fallen they are long gone alone with every bit of mulch in every flowerbed I have as they were all under water!!! Ugh! But I will get them asap.

@Suga

I just realized you're in coastal SC. How are you and your family doing? We've been watching the Weather Channel coverage for days of the eastern coast with all the rain y'all have been getting. Our hearts go out to y'all. Thank goodness you're starting to get days of sun and no rain.

Don't rush, take as much time. Whenever is fine with me. You've bigger things to think of than collecting gum balls.

If you're not able to collect any til next year, that's ok and it is very understanding.

We are ok had some water in what was a garage but we enclosed it. We had about 4" in that area. Water was all the way to the front steps. We are blessed many are much worse off than we are. I thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I'm about an hour north of Charleston. Not a bit of mulch left in any of my flower beds ugh!!!! Washed away. But we could be worse off for sure. We went through Hurricane Hugo and this is a familiar situation. We will take it a day at a time because that's all you can do! If not it becomes to overwhelming.

So happy you're ok.

That's the plant Robert!!!

Please just send me a tree mail with your address and I have a list started so I get your address and I will be glad to ship them out. A few are beginning to fall so as I can pick them up I will.

@Suga

How are things there in coastal SC today?

Good and bad. The sun is shining but the upper lakes are cresting causing more flooding. This trickles down causing more evacuations. So sad because so many have lost everything. I feel very blessed!!!! Many roads and bridges have just calapesed causing a traffic nightmare!!!! I went into our main town yesterday and had to go an hour away because of closures. Made a wrong turn on the way home and had to call my new husband in tears telling him I was lost and didn't know how to get home!!!! Ugh!!! Sad huh. He talked me in!

Thank you so much for asking!!!

So sad to hear and see your area and how it still is on tv and from you.

Stay safe and I'm happy you were able to make it home safely with the help your hubby.