Q: Is it possible to grow chicle here in Georgia? We need an evergreen tree on our property and it would be awesome to have a nice evergreen that also can be consumed.

A: You won’t be able to grow your own bubblegum in Georgia. It is not winter hardy in Atlanta. The chicle tree is a tropical plant native to southern Mexico and South America. The bark is sliced each year and the gum oozes out, to be collected and made into organic chewing gum. Most commercial chewing gum is made from modified rubber these days.

If you are bound and determined to chew tree gum, try blobs of sap from a pine tree or sweetgum. Both are flavorful and have been enjoyed by adventuresome boys for generations. However, I don’t think either can be used to blow bubbles.