Hi Everybody,
I am quite surprised and moved by such a warm personal welcome - thank you!
I have recently had the pleasure of connecting and talking figs with Opiem10. His generosity included not only fig trees and their knowledge but a recommendation to join this Forum. So, I have read about here, for a few days, in secret...and I was really impressed with the level of knowledge, engagement, and also kind, good will and humor amongst the members. I am glad to have found you!
I grew up in the former USSR, and in my childhood, my family lived for several years on the border with Afghanistan where figs were plentiful and sweet - it felt as if they were growing everywhere, all on their own. I have never forgotten that. Figs were the magic of my childhood, sweet plump gems waiting to be found underneath the leaves. When I moved to US as an adult, I lived in the South (GA, VA, NC), eventually establishing a small but well-loved collection of fig trees. Yet, two years ago, when I was making a job-related move to PA, I was told at an one of the large nurseries that "Pennsylvania was WAY too cold for figs!" - and so, I gifted away all my fig trees. (The silver lining in this is that many of my friends and neighbors who would not have considered growing a fig have now became fig enthusiasts!; but I still get angry every time I think about that nursery encounter.)
The fist thing I learned when I arrived in PA regarding figs was about a discovery of Black Bethlehem fig that survives winters - SURPRISE! ...And thus began my wondrous journey of rediscovering figs in colder climates. I have been reading and learning all I can about different varieties that are suitable for PA, about methods of winter protection and nuances of fertilization, and - my special delight of this year - rooting fig cuttings. So I am working on rebuilding my fig collection...but there is more: in doing so, I am also discovering a fig Community - and that is a very new and heart-warming feeling.
So, Greetings! - and Thank You for creating this space for connection, learning, and care. I hope to give and receive, to learn and to contribute. I look forward to getting to know you.
Warmly,
Natalya