Belleclare figs.

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bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1356717608	Reply with quote #1

so.. i saw the fig list on the forum. i know the nursery has gone out of business sometime ago. what is so special about this nursery that some of the members are still looking for their figs? __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

nypd5229

Registered:1290455653
Posts: 1,903

Posted 1356719056	Reply with quote #2

It was the largest exchange of international figs for its time. Some of their figs are still considered rare and some of the better ones. This was in a time before forums and exchanges among members. __________________ Dominick Zone 6a-MA

garden_whisperer

Registered:1353347580
Posts: 1,613

Posted 1356719673	Reply with quote #3

so its safe to assume that f4f is better. :) __________________ Dave Zone 6b Illinois "Be the change you wish to see in the world"

james

Registered:1189185103
Posts: 1,653

Posted 1356722902	Reply with quote #4

I think it's safe to say they are different. __________________ In containers - Littleton, CO (zone 5b) In ground - N.E of Austin, TX (zone 8b) 2016 Wish List: Dārk Pōrtuguese, Grānthāms Royāl, Lātarolla, Negrettā, Nōire de Bārbentāne, Rockāway Green, Viōlet Sepōr, Viōlette Dāuphine. Iranian figs are always welcome.

paully22

Registered:1195324538
Posts: 2,719

Posted 1356725154	Reply with quote #5

Dominic is correct. Now there are many excellent figs out there in both USA and Canada. Many of these figs are closely similar in taste, But may be different in growing traits for differing zones.

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1356730540	Reply with quote #6

Quote: Originally Posted by paully22 Dominic is correct. Now there are many excellent figs out there in both USA, Europe and Canada. Many of these figs are closely similar in taste, But may be different in growing traits for differing zones. This is the dilemma! Climates! They produce differently! Jon, the Grandaddy of this site, lives in the perfect climate for figs! Many of you don't. Silly me, wine lover, had to plant wine grapes where nobody ever had. There was a reason for this. So, I researched, and found the grapes from Greece, Argentina, Italy, and Spain that would produce fine wine in our climate. Figs, no problem! They love heat! We have heat and nothing ever freezes, ever! Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1356739374	Reply with quote #7

weather here is ok. hot long summer. short mild winter. only it gets humid here once in awhile. and rain sort of dampens things now and then. but still i call this place my fig heaven. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

snaglpus

Registered:1244258188
Posts: 4,072

Posted 1356743380	Reply with quote #8

BC was one of the first true fig nurseries with many figs from Europe. Some members of this forum started collecting many of BC's fig trees. I am so glad these members are sharing cuttings and airlayers from their BC fig trees. I'm trying to obtain as many of them I can find. Most nurseries are just out to make a profit, some are sincere about figs but those are hard to find. I wish BC was still around but they are not. We are the new BC and those with true BC figs should treasure them. __________________ Dennis Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1356786596	Reply with quote #9

Pete... Within a few weeks after being bit by the Fig "Bug", I learned about the Belleclare Fig Nursery. I drove out to see what all the fuss was. Unfortunately, I got to see only the final days of what must have been a a very extensive collection of exotic fig varieties. They closed for good within the next weeks after my visit. The owners were very nice to me, an obvious novice, but Chris told me everything I needed to know about growing a fig tree in a container, and how to keep it alive over the winter. I wish I had known about the nursery sooner. After only one visit, I knew by instinct, that I would've been a frequent visitor. The one tree that I can still picture in my mind is the 4-in-one, pleached/braided fig tree, growing four different varieties on one tree. I hope the owners are enjoying their retirement. They are missed. Frank EDIT: Due to my age, and probably some pre-senility, the 4-in-one braided tree was actually a 3-in-one braided tree. A good forum member contacted me to provide more accurate information, and informed me that many Belleclare trees are still alive and kickin'. Thanks, HJ for the help. F __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

leon_edmond

Registered:1188903453
Posts: 923

Posted 1356796064	Reply with quote #10

Speaking of which...Just recently came across this vintage interview with the Belleclare from the late 90's http://www.marthastewart.com/907952/fabulous-figs

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1356799529	Reply with quote #11

How about that Martha! She asks all the right questions! Thanks for posting that video! Wish I knew what was on her list! Too bad the nursery is closed. I need some of that crushed limestone! Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

Tonycm

Registered:1314411773
Posts: 922

Posted 1356799966	Reply with quote #12

I'll have to try putting lime on the top of the pots this spring. Don't know if I heard that correctly, an inch of lime? Sounds like an awful lot. I guess it'll be experimenting time this year. __________________ Zone 6a Sarver, PA Wish list; Rafed's Genovese Nero

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1356802456	Reply with quote #13

That was a great video. Thanks for posting. I love her comment "This one probably could have used a few more days" I laughed out loud. I see that posted as a general disclaimer at least a dozen times a week in September here on the forum. I loved it. Also some great grower insight from Belleclare. A real treasure. __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

JoAnn749

Registered:1325443625
Posts: 1,184

Posted 1356807161	Reply with quote #14

Nice video! I grew up about 5 miles from where they had the nursery and never knew about it. When I lived there, I only knew about purple and green figs. __________________ Jo-Ann DFW TX, Zone 7b-8a Wish List: Black Madeira,, Kathleen's Black, Malta Black, Marseille VS Black, White Paradisio, LSU Scott's Black, Conadria, White Trianna, Marttineca Rimada, Excel, Peter's Honey, Bebera Preta (Abebereira), Strawberry Verte

leon_edmond

Registered:1188903453
Posts: 923

Posted 1356807485	Reply with quote #15

Would be interesting to know how the DiPaola brothers are doing. Anyone here on this forum have connections with them?

BronxFigs

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Posts: 1,864

Posted 1356808489	Reply with quote #16

Just watched the Martha Stewart video interview. Now I wish more than ever that this fantasy land for figs was still up and runnin'. Thank God for the history lesson preserved on tape, and thank you for the link to this archival interview. Frank __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1356808685	Reply with quote #17

Thanks for sharing that video, Leon. Most potting soils already have lime mixed in but not nearly at the quantity they're talking about in that interview. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

omotm

Registered:1349913471
Posts: 886

Posted 1356810167	Reply with quote #18

Leon, A very big thanks for sharing this video. Time and time again, this website has shown me what a great resource it is, especially when someone comes up with an exceptional video like this one. Is there someway this video can be saved, I'm sure one day this will become a broken link and this video will be lost forever. It is sad to think that Bellecare is gone, but I'm happy to know some of the members here are continuing its heritage. __________________ Steve Houston, TX Zone 8b Wish List: Zingarella

sammy

Registered:1330355079
Posts: 261

Posted 1356815034	Reply with quote #19

I really enjoyed watching that video. I guess I can't overdo it on the lime then. Wow, an inch and a half! __________________ Sam zone 4 Thessalon Ontario, Canada.

DWD2

Registered:1331116011
Posts: 140

Posted 1356816034	Reply with quote #20

Leon, Great video! Thank you for posting it.

dfoster25

Registered:1337044031
Posts: 723

Posted 1356820155	Reply with quote #21

Frank: The Video started to make me question my plans of burying my pots half way down in my garden. Did you catch that part? __________________ Zone 6, SE MICHIGAN -14F 1-7-14 -23F 2-?-15 6F 1-18-16

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1356820710	Reply with quote #22

I just watched the video once again. Martha was just in her absolute prime, and so was Chris and his brother. A breezy romp through a virtual orchard of different trees and delicious looking varieties. Did you get a load of the size of those Black Mission trees! They used so much granular limestone in their pots that it felt like a cement lid on top of the soil. Limestone is key to healthy growth and for developing exceptional flavor. Figs hate acidic soil. I cannot wait for the next fig season. The Belleclare Legacy lives on. Thank you Martha for yet another video gift, and for Leon who provided us the link. Bravo! Frank ************************************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************************************ EDIT: Dan... Just saw your question. Yes! They wanted the figs to cook a little as the fruit ripens. When I first watched the video, this struck me as strange, that, and the fact that they purposely grew their trees on hard, hot cement, yet, look at the results that Belleclare got with crop sizes. A few of the featured trees were just dripping with figs! I wish I had the room to try both methods of containerized culture, i.e... some with pots half buried, and some with hot root-zone, and full, blazing sun, on a cement slab. F __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1356821521	Reply with quote #23

Nice video Leon. Thanks for sharing.

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1356824209	Reply with quote #24

Quote: Originally Posted by omotm Leon, A very big thanks for sharing this video. Time and time again, this website has shown me what a great resource it is, especially when someone comes up with an exceptional video like this one. Is there someway this video can be saved, I'm sure one day this will become a broken link and this video will be lost forever. It is sad to think that Bellecare is gone, but I'm happy to know some of the members here are continuing its heritage. My Firefox add-on DownloadHelper couldn't work with the site but I searched and downloaded a trial version of http://www.videograbber.net/ "Video Grabber Pro" and it downloaded it fine. It's a bit garbled on the very bottom but it's acceptable. It is downloaded as a FLV format file. The trial version will only convert 30% of the file (to AVI, etc.). I tried to covert it using the VLC Player software I already had but it failed for some reason. I don't do this often and only know enough to be dangerous! ;) Then I tried some other software I have, HandBrake, and I was able to convert it to a MP4 file without any problem (it increased file size from 50MB to 62MB). It plays from my hard drive fine and I should also be able to put a copy on my Android phone and play it there. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1356828769	Reply with quote #25

my timing if always little off. i would have loved to get to know the folks at Belleclare and Paradise nursery. i'm collecting Paradise nursery figs. i think i'll have to start looking into Belleclare figs. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

Dieseler

Registered:1215735852
Posts: 8,252

Posted 1356829358	Reply with quote #26

Quote: Originally Posted by BronxFigs I just watched the video once again. Martha was just in her absolute prime, and so was Chris and his brother. A breezy romp through a virtual orchard of different trees and delicious looking varieties. Did you get a load of the size of those Black Mission trees! They used so much granular limestone in their pots that it felt like a cement lid on top of the soil. Limestone is key to healthy growth and for developing exceptional flavor. Figs hate acidic soil. I cannot wait for the next fig season. The Belleclare Legacy lives on. Thank you Martha for yet another video gift, and for Leon who provided us the link. Bravo! Frank ************************************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************************************ EDIT: Dan... Just saw your question. Yes! They wanted the figs to cook a little as the fruit ripens. When I first watched the video, this struck me as strange, that, and the fact that they purposely grew their trees on hard, hot cement, yet, look at the results that Belleclare got with crop sizes. A few of the featured trees were just dripping with figs! I wish I had the room to try both methods of containerized culture, i.e... some with pots half buried, and some with hot root-zone, and full, blazing sun, on a cement slab. F Been growing them on 20x30 cement patio in full sun for long time and have the rest on landscaping rocks as patio was crowded. Yes they enjoy the heat, lime , fert and lots of water in the summer. In early spring they go to blacktop driveway to wake up doing for the fig shuffle.

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1356829966	Reply with quote #27

Martha was in her prime at the time of the video. The whole thing was in NY where they get snow, ice, and all things bad. So, does not apply to So California at all, but loved it! She asked the questions we all wanted to know, and she explained the taste of the figs! Martha, you are my hero! Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

snaglpus

Registered:1244258188
Posts: 4,072

Posted 1356836162	Reply with quote #28

Just remember.....use limestone, not lime stone powder!!! Lime stone is rock so if you guys are going to try this, think lime stone. Three years ago, I almost killed 6 of my largest fig trees using limestone powder and it wasn't an inch thick. I just added 3 tablespoons on top of the soil. I asked the lime stone questioned about 4 months ago and folks sailed they don't use lime. Well, I do. However, I only use the brown pellet slow release kind. I use it to get the right pH, around 6.5. The lime stone powder is fast acting stuff and maybe it will work for you but I would just test it on one plant. Years ago, I was experimenting with soil. Today I make my own and use UPM for cuttings. If you use the limestone, let us know how things turn out. __________________ Dennis Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a

Figfinatic

Registered:1330272993
Posts: 761

Posted 1356841217	Reply with quote #29

This is another video from Martha in CA http://www.marthastewart.com/907952/fabulous-figs#917403 __________________ Wish: Sbayi, passiflora incense, quadrangularis or others

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1356871540	Reply with quote #30

Figfinatic... Beautifully photographed video, and a perfect commercial full of useful information...especially about fig wood used to enfume roasting foods. I wonder if fig leaves can be stuffed with a rice mixture like grape leaves? After watching this video, I'm happy that I am growing a special, heirloom strain, of "Brown Turkey" that was given to me by a forum member. I've had exceptional figs, but, I never tasted a bad fig. I love them all. Thanks for the video. Nice to watch on a freezing cold, snowy morning in NYC. Frank __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1356882313	Reply with quote #31

I live about 25 miles away from Knoll Organic Farms and someone who is very familiar with their farm was sharing information about them with me about 10 days ago. They sell their figs for $7/pound and reportedly do very well. They supposedly use egg cartons to pack some of their figs, though I didn't see evidence of that in Martha's video. The video shows them drying some figs but I didn't see any mention of dried fig products on their web site - http://www.knollorganics.com/ __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1356882365	Reply with quote #32

I loved that video too! Loved all the different uses for the leaves and wood of the fig tree. Looking forward to having enough figs to dry! These videos really teach amazing things in a wonderful way! I didn't realize figs ripen in order of where they are on the branch! I'm very happy to say that I have a first year Adriatic, and I can't wait to smear it on a bagel instead of strawberry jam! Can we get limestone at Lowes or HD, or do we need to go to a concrete supply place? Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

nypd5229

Registered:1290455653
Posts: 1,903

Posted 1356883470	Reply with quote #33

LMAO!!! __________________ Dominick Zone 6a-MA

Pattee

Registered:1345750012
Posts: 1,417

Posted 1356884635	Reply with quote #34

Two great video's - thanks for posting them ! Nice web site also. Makes me long for those ripe sweet jewels right now !!! Also makes me realize sadly I missed the Belleclare years , living so close , I'd have been there weekly . __________________ 7a & 9b ►I assume all my figs carry FMV ◄ Seeking : Italian 376,395 , Galicia Negra, Negretta,UNK Pastilliere ,Pananas Purple, Malta Blk+purple/red, Italian + Calabrian UNK's , Catanzaro, Malone, Sucrette(Baud) "We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of hearts?" - Gandhi

scott_ga

Registered:1189222943
Posts: 302

Posted 1356884843	Reply with quote #35

I wonder if the limestone layer was most useful in helping to keep the roots cool. __________________ Scott North Georgia Zone 7b

nypd5229

Registered:1290455653
Posts: 1,903

Posted 1356885922	Reply with quote #36

In my experience, you are better off making 5 to 7 holes around the edge and fill with limestone after the first year. I put a lot of lime powder in my pots when I pot up at beginning of 1st season.. Granular is better. The powder gets caked up and tends not to leach in if applied on top. __________________ Dominick Zone 6a-MA

Dan796

Registered:1340807704
Posts: 320

Posted 1356892103	Reply with quote #37

"Today I make my own and use UPM for cuttings" Snaglpus, Please forgive my ignorance. But, what does UPM mean? __________________ Dan~ WV zone 5-6 ________________

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1356895029	Reply with quote #38

I believe he's refering to Ultimate Potting Mix http://fertilomesoils.com/ultimate_potting.html __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1356913615	Reply with quote #39

Suzi... Any Granular Limestone will work. HD carries 40 lb. bags and are really heavy to lift, and also very cheap. Agricultural Granular Limestone/Powdered Limestone is not the same lime that's used for cement and plaster work. Quicklime is NOT Granular Limestone. A very well known fig grower says that Powdered Limestone will work quickly to correct overly acidic mixes, and the Granular Limestone will work over a longer period of time. Acidic soils are to be avoided, and most fertilizers will cause soils to become acidic. I didn't know this about fertilizers, and I noticed that my trees look a lot better after regular treatments of Limestone. Not only are the leaves healthier, but the texture of the leaves feels much sturdier, and more robust. A 5-gallon HD bucket holds a lot of Limestone, and I use a 1-lb. coffee can to dump the limestone into my pots, and around the roots of my trees. As Martha Stewart might say..."Limestone is a very good thing". Frank __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1356917631	Reply with quote #40

Note attached PDF of Belleclaire instructions re: Limestone. http://figs4fun.com/Links/FigLink012f.pdf

71GTO

Registered:1290311646
Posts: 1,002

Posted 1356919451	Reply with quote #41

I'm just curious on those instructions. Why is it bad to add new limstone over old limestone? __________________ NJ z7a Wish list :

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1356934738	Reply with quote #42

I was just reading some of Jon's copies of Belleclare's pages and saw at http://figs4fun.com/Links/FigLink012a.pdf that the video linked above was primarily recorded in 1997 but the portion with the cake was done in 1999 and added onto the original video. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1357068009	Reply with quote #43

WHAT IS THE NAME OF POPS WEEPING TREE, AND HOW CAN I GET CUTTINGS? Spill! Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1357072039	Reply with quote #44

Suzi, I think it's covered in the link I gave in the reply to the other thread you started, see http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/A-quotSportquot-on-a-Fig-Tree-6141011 __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

BronxFigs

Registered:1333154764
Posts: 1,864

Posted 1357076483	Reply with quote #45

One of the many nice things about Belleclare was the fig-sampler trays that they sold in the harvest season. You could taste many different figs when you bought one of the samplers. They also sold fertilizers, and Granular Limestone in small containers. Loved the Old-World "feel" that their nursery exuded, and the down-to-earth advice that the brothers gave so freely. They LOVED figs, and it showed. They loved to hook newbies into the world of figs. My by chance visit in 2007 sparked the desire to try to grow containerized fig trees. I never looked back. Thanks Belleclare. Frank __________________ Bronx, NYC Zone-7

vitalucky

Registered:1302708721
Posts: 241

Posted 1357096222

Reply with quote #46

Thanks for that video leon
When Mr Di Paola said his family was from Formia, near Gaeta, a shiver went trough my spine. I was born about 20 miles from there
And then a thought came to me: they must have had the varieties of figs I was eating as a child! Now I want to find out about their 100 fig varieties and try to collect them
Does anyone have a list of what they carried? Would it be possible to post it
Thank
Sal

__________________
Sal
Florida 10b
whish list: dark portuguese,Smith, O'Rourke, Battaglia, Col De Dame, Abeberreira,Bourjassotte Noire (Sollies), Ronde de Bordeaux, Hunt,

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1357097970	Reply with quote #47

Sal, go to http://figs4fun.com/Fig_Links.html and click on the "PDF4" to the right of Belleclare. I'm on my phone right now and can't copy the entire link. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

victor

Registered:1336352473
Posts: 81

Posted 1357216229	Reply with quote #48

How many types of BC trees are out therenow,and is there a list ? I think when they were open,there was about 85,how many have been lost.

hungryjack

Registered:1313447992
Posts: 518

Posted 1357217492	Reply with quote #49

About 95 on their main list, another 20 or so on a updated list. and another 20-25 varieties that were not listed due to various reasons, such as limited stock or they didn't get around to updating the list. I have 45+ different original trees/varities Other collectors have original trees as well. I have the original Belleclare lists, I will try to take some photos and post them at a later point. __________________ Big Apple/Fig, New York 6B

Dieseler

Registered:1215735852
Posts: 8,252

Posted 1357224602	Reply with quote #50

Here is the list . Number 93 i cannot find a solid source that it actually came from Belleclare . Attached Files BelleclareFigList.txt (11.27 KB, 130 views)

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