Hi! Dennis,

Good discovery. Please share some cuttings with me when they are available. Thank you.

Best,
Tam

I vote for the Dennis Digger to go in and swoop the whole tree after giving the wonderful lady her starts.

Hi Dennis;

Any updated information, photos, etc?  How did your air-layering project on the original tree, turn out?  Any critiques re: growth, vigor, productivity?  Are the younger air-layered trees taken from the original tree, also showing the same sprawling nature of the mother-tree, or are the new trees growing upright?


Frank

Frank, only one survived out of the 10 that rooted. The gnats got to the others. Five were doing great until the gnats came. The owners house was up for sale last year. It did not sell. I wvisited the property a few months ago and it was up for rent. As I was jumping the fence with pruning shears in hand......I made it to the tree until 2 huge pit bulls got whif of me. I made it back to the truck after high hurdling the fence! But I got 2 cuttings. He he! My wife said I'm crazy!

I ran into the owner. She asked me to stay away while it's under contract rental. I agreed. She said she will call me in between rents to come by and get cuttings.

Dennis, you are crazy!  How about befriending the renters?  Bring them some of your extra fruits, tell them why you have interest in that tree, you know how that goes.    I would have become dog food, I cannot jump fences.

Dennis,
I laughed when I read about the fence clearing. A truly motivated cutting pirate. Good job.

Dennis, The owner might be happy to get cuttings in the hands of enthusiasts around the country, hope so anyway. Just make sure the renters know when your arriving so the dogs can be kept inside, nobody wants to be attacked by pitbulls. I'd like to try growing it too if you manage to get enough to share. Glad you have at least one rooted and a couple more to try rooting.

Mike in Hanover, VA

I  lol'ed, good story!

The pit bulls were not suppose to be there. I think they belong to her neighbor. At the time I was there the house was vacant. The neighbors have seen me come and go several times last year checking on those air layers. I'm glad I was in enough shape to hurdle that fence! I was a high hurdler in high school but that was 35 yrs ago. Today, I'm 60lbs heavier.

As soon as I saw those dogs, i turned and in four steps I was over the fence and into my truck.

Grasa, I could ask the renters for cuttings. I will be pruning the tree this fall. So, I will get more. The owner gave me permission. I still think it's funny.

The things we will do for a fig! Ha!

Dennis-

I'm laughing while reading about your 'Black Greek" escapades.  I would've paid BIG money to watch you hightail it over that fence!  My butt would have become dog lunch.  It's amazing what a guy can do when motivated by canine choppers!

Thanks for the update and the big chuckles.


Frank

That is a great story! Definitely put a smile on my face =)

Glad you made it out in one piece! I'm also happy the owner is being so gracious to let you get cuttings! There are still fine people out there.

Wow Dennis you've definitely earned your Indiana Jones Hat of figging !!

Of course instead of a whip it should be cutters !!

Glad you didn't lose your jumping skills. Seems like a necessary skill if you're a serious about figs eh?Please add my name to your growing want list.
I want one and am willing to patiently wait for a cutting.
I sure don't wanna get on the nerves of a man who is in possession of a drop-on-the-ground-in-amazement good fig. ;)
#gladtheydidn'tgetyou

Great story!  I hope the air layers work out well.  It is amazing to think there are so many great, old trees out there!

Update!

Was successful in getting 2 air layers of this tree to strike. Now, I have 2 nice size tall trees. They should fruit this summer. Will stop by in February and ask for cuttings. Wish me luck! There may be some coming your way.

Good luck Dennis, and, no, I don't want any cuttings of this amazing Greek fig. I don't.

Lol...Gary. And, woohoo, Dennis. Or should I call you Indiana Jones?

Sure it is worth your adventurous effort. Thanks for sharing it with us.