Bittersweet Reflections: Honeysuckle Jelly
We have been actively combating invasive species and promoting the growth of native plants on our land. Among these invasive species is the Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), known for its sweet fragrance. While its presence is a familiar sight in late Spring and early Summer, particularly in the southern states, it poses a threat as it spreads across the eastern US from Maine to Florida and as far west as Wisconsin and Texas, thriving in 26 states. Originally native to East Asia, the Japanese honeysuckle was brought to Long Island, New York, in 1806 for its beauty and erosion control benefits. This plant quickly adapts to various environments and grows at a rapid pace, creating dense thickets that stifle and eliminate other plant life. By outcompeting native species for resources like light and nutrients, it alters forest ecosystems. While we have removed a significant amount of Japanese honeysuckle from our yard, we decided to repurpose some before discarding the r