Chris K Ukn!

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ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417575838	Reply with quote #1

Well friends I guess I owe everyone an official introduction also! I was born and raised In Athens Greece but spent every Summer, as far back as I can remember,in a little cabin or summer home as we called it at a nearby beach called Artemis(as per the Goddess of the hunt ). Athens is a concrete jungle so you won't find many figs there,except fon the occasional rare find like The Kesariani " that looks awesome! Artemis is a different story! Fig farms,vineyards ,and olive trees as far as your eye can see! We ate fresh figs from mid July to mid September and although back then they were just"figs" now I'm pretty sure they were mostly Vasilika Melissi. Got married to Mrs Eleni K and moved to the big city in 89 . We lived in Flushing Queens for about 15 cold years and decided to head south in 2004 to visit friends for The holidays. A year later we were calling Atlanta home! A couple of years past and one lovely day on the way home from work I spotted a familiar sight, it can't be! A fig tree in Ga? And then I saw another one and another, they were there the whole time. I was so caught up in my every day routine that I had forgotten ,I was passing by all those precious memories of an awesome childhood ! Simple but awesome. And that is how I reconnected with my most favorite fruit ever and desided to buy one and give it a try! That Saturday morning I and Mrs K found ourselves driving even further south towards TyTy Ga and You all know what that gets you! Not what You think You buy that's what! My Japanese Ishau turned out to be an LSU purple and the white Italian turned out to be a celest (we identified both thanks to You all and through your postings on this forum so thank you all very much for all the knowledge and info You share with all fig growers out there! All my figgies were bought and by now I have a LOT! Nothing too exotic but I love and appreciate every single one! I saved 2 nice sized Brown T(Celeste lol) from HD from certain death or so I thought and the following year 2 Brunswick also good size that were listed as celeste (go figure) but I knew right away that they were different ! I was hoping for Dalmatie after checking out a very cool article from Planet fig but after the first of 35 figs ripened I knew I had two very healthy Brunswick babies! Oops,running out of space and You guys and gals out of patience! It is a privilege to be among an awesome group of people such as this! Chris Ukn no more!!!!! Thanks again.(special thanks to Waynea for the idea) __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

joann1536

Registered:1409975734
Posts: 274

Posted 1417576139	Reply with quote #2

Great story, Chris! I love it! __________________ USDA Zone 9b Wish list: Abruzzi, Pasquale, Tagliacozzo, Zingarella, Godfather. Any unk Italian, especially from Abruzzo.

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417576303	Reply with quote #3

Thanks Joann! __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

needaclone

Registered:1346812939
Posts: 604

Posted 1417576798	Reply with quote #4

Welcome, Chris. If you were surprised to discover figs in Atlanta, GA, imagine how surprised you would have been to discover all the figs growing in Flushing Queens!!! Cheers, Jim __________________ Clarksburg, NJ - Zone 6b Wishlist - A wise man recommended: Nero600M . Malta Black . Tacoma (Takoma) Violet . Gino's . Adriatic JH . Vista Mission . Florea . Atreano . ...also...RdB, Bethlehem Black, Negronne, Grise de St. Jean, Livano, Col de Dame Blanc/Gris/Noir, Vasilika Sika, Longue D'Aout, Italian 258, Pennsylvania 6-5000

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1417577014	Reply with quote #5

Great post, Chris. I'm sure your collection will be out of control before you know it. ;) __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417577327	Reply with quote #6

Thanks Jim! lol I know figs everywhere ,do we know who the most northern grower is? __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417577517	Reply with quote #7

Thanks Frank,already happening but now I have a partner in crime! Mrs K starting to qualify as a full fledged fig nut! Good times ! __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1417577823	Reply with quote #8

Great intro Chris, now we could do an entire thread on Ty Ty. Being new to figs a couple years ago, I bought from Lowes, Walmart. Tractor Supply(very first "celeste" I think), Ty Ty, and other commercial fig experts(big box & self proclaimed trust me nurseries). So I have several named but really unknowns in the ground. I give them credit for fueling my interest in figs. But now I am amongst forum members that I trust will steer me in the right direction and will let me know who to trust. Also, I have learned a lot about rooting, air layering, and best practices on growing. So Chris, you have found the right place to be if you are serious about figs.

COGardener

Registered:1357441505
Posts: 814

Posted 1417577969	Reply with quote #9

Quote: Originally Posted by FiggyFrank I'm sure your collection will be out of control before you know it. ;) Oh my yes!!!! You think just a couple will do.... NO, NO... Oh my no. 2 will become 4, 4 will become 9, 9 will become 21.... You know how it is with a good thing.

rafaelissimmo

Registered:1335639347
Posts: 1,473

Posted 1417578470	Reply with quote #10

Chris great story and welcome from Queens, we miss you, many of my neighbors are Greek. __________________ Zone 7b, Queens, New York

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417578752	Reply with quote #11

Thanks Wayne ! That's why I got sucked in and started posting from day one without an intro! Love the forum and everything about it! By the way here's a pic of my fridge! Well the top of it! Serious enough? Lol Attached Images image.jpg (807.72 KB, 40 views) __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

cis4elk

Registered:1347840383
Posts: 1,718

Posted 1417578946	Reply with quote #12

Great background story, thanks for sharing it with us. __________________ Calvin Littleton,CO z5/6 Wants List: For everyone to clean-up after themselves and co-exist peacefully. Let's think more about the future of our planet and less about ourselves. :)

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417579182	Reply with quote #13

Thanks rafaellissimo! Miss you guys too! No Greeks In this part. of the woods! But lots of fig trees though! I' m about 35 miles from the closest greek community but no complaints ! We live among some realy nice people! Oh and our last name a big conversation starter! __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

drphil69

Registered:1390113240
Posts: 803

Posted 1417579193	Reply with quote #14

Great story, welcome! __________________ Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417579359	Reply with quote #15

Thanks Philip and You too also! Let me know if I can help in any way! __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417579471	Reply with quote #16

Thanks Calvin! My pleasure . __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1417582771	Reply with quote #17

Welcome! You're more likely to get a Vasilika Sika or Melissi from your family back in Greece than from anyone here. There's a VS going around that's really a Stella, most likely. __________________ 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.

FigaroNewton

Registered:1403556278
Posts: 75

Posted 1417584710	Reply with quote #18

Feels strange giving you a welcome Chris, since you beat me here by 2 years, lol. But welcome nonetheless!! You are truly good people, and I'm glad to have met you here, my friend. Regards, bill ...and great story too!! =) __________________ Billy - Middle Tennessee Seeking: C'hiapetta, A'driatic JH, and S'mith maybe 2 cuttings or so of each. Thank-you.

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417600781	Reply with quote #19

Thanks Bob! Working on it but I know that importing cuttings from Greece is restricted so am a little skeptical !!!! Thanks Bill! Signing date is11/12/2014 so I ve only been a member for about three weeks but I have been following the forum for a good while through Google search on different topics! Figs4fun always comes up first on any fig question ! Have a great day y'all ! Heading to work! __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

zone5figger

Registered:1395082963
Posts: 250

Posted 1417602138	Reply with quote #20

Nice intro, Chris. Artemis sounds amazing! Maybe friends or family could send you some 'wood samples' in the post- just remember your old f4f friends when they do! __________________ Jesse- zone 5, 1000' elevation

andreas

Registered:1401724296
Posts: 372

Posted 1417605929	Reply with quote #21

Great introduction Chris here is a street view of a tavern in Artemis just in case you get home sick. https://www.google.gr/maps/@37.9696853,24.0074048,3a,75y,106.88h,81.89t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s6dYTw8mTBWzcPb2M7GeDUQ!2e0 __________________ andreas-patras Patra Peloponnisos Greece zone..9a

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1417606911	Reply with quote #22

Wonderful story/intro, Chris. Similar history for me except instead of Greece, substitute Italy. We are practically neighbors now. If you are ever traveling I-10, drop by and say hi. __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

Hershell

Registered:1396922438
Posts: 650

Posted 1417607536	Reply with quote #23

Great story Chris. I enjoyed It. __________________ Hershell Zone 8. Ray City, Ga.

deerhunter16b

Registered:1352062719
Posts: 785

Posted 1417612025	Reply with quote #24

Very nice story __________________ john Zone 7a

snaglpus

Registered:1244258188
Posts: 4,072

Posted 1417614603	Reply with quote #25

Chris, I live in Marietta for 7 years. About the only place that has fig trees is Pike's Nursery. But beware, no one there has any knowledge about figs. When I was there, Monrovia was their supplier. The only figs they had back then was Brown Turkey, Celeste, and Black Jack. The Monrovia Brown Turkey does not do well in our humid wet climate but other Brown Turkey figs do better. If anything, get the Celeste or Black Jack and place it in your hottest and sunniest spot of your yard. __________________ Dennis Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1417624948	Reply with quote #26

Hi Chris, Nice intro ! You'll see that now you will be spotting figtrees whenever you pass by . Here, I spot now figtrees that have been there for years ... My eyes were just not hunting for them. Now without even hunting for them, my eyes get caught by the leaves or figlets on the branches . Running out of space ... yes I do ... Figtrees are like rabbits . All it takes is getting the first two and then the yard is full :) . But that's what I like ! Good luck with your trees ! __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

donpaid

Registered:1388952715
Posts: 216

Posted 1417625970	Reply with quote #27

I was just as surprised as you to learn (from this forum) that fig trees are growing ALL OVER the South. Great story Chris! Take care!

Aaron4USA

Registered:1375832059
Posts: 2,969

Posted 1417626277	Reply with quote #28

Chris, Enjoyed your story, I'm glad you are with us. Welcome to THE forum where it all happens:) TyTy... uhm, I meant Yiasou LOL

FigaroNewton

Registered:1403556278
Posts: 75

Posted 1417627535	Reply with quote #29

Signing date is 11/12/2014 so I ve only been a member for about three weeks...~Chris face palm I'm a knuckle head. =) Regards, bill __________________ Billy - Middle Tennessee Seeking: C'hiapetta, A'driatic JH, and S'mith maybe 2 cuttings or so of each. Thank-you.

sbmohan

Registered:1416704743
Posts: 223

Posted 1417631351	Reply with quote #30

Great intro Chris. I found catching myself in the memory lane as I read through your intro. Thanks. __________________ Mohan B Harrisburg, NC - Zone 7a

GRamaley

Registered:1357742252
Posts: 791

Posted 1417638868	Reply with quote #31

Greetings Chris, great story, glad to know you!! __________________ Gloria --------------- 7a, maybe 8

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417654868	Reply with quote #32

Oh my goodness ,I came back from work to find all those wonderful replies ! I'm totally overwhelmed ! Thanks Jesse and already working on it hopefully we ll all benefit! Andrea not a dry eye in the house after looking at the pic! We know exactly where that intersection is! Our house is on the left side or Palaia Loutsa! Thanks a mil brother! Thanks a lot Frank, then You know what I'm talking about Paisano! Thanks for the invitation ,I might take you up on it! Love that green fig . Stella? Hershell thanks very much! Thanks a lot John,glad You liked it! Dennis thanks for the info,I'll definitely try Pike! I have two Ukns from Folly Beach SC that I got last winter one green (that's what the owners call their house"green fig" but they don't know anything about varieties , and another possibly dark,celeste looking leaves, fruit very late still tinny on the tree as we speak!Any info appreciated!pics below. JdsFrance mon ami thanks very much and You're right it seams like they are everywhere now! :) Thanks Donpaid! Some of my neibours that are born and raised here told me that the fig tree was a must have for a homestead here in the south! Mostly celeste but You can find the occasional fmv free Ishia black lol! Most of you know what I m talking about! Aaron thanks very much and thanks for all your awesome pics and fig expertise ! Melissi ? Cross Your fingers , just say n ! Bill , no problem brother ! Any figs yet? Thank You Mohan! I felt great writing it and sharing my thoughts and feelings with a bunch of friends that can relate! Gloria thank You so much, glad to be part of this group! Attached Images image.jpg (126.66 KB, 13 views) image.jpg (44.52 KB, 13 views) __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

eboone

Registered:1378418906
Posts: 1,100

Posted 1417657037	Reply with quote #33

Welcome Chrisk! I have to say it seems ironic or some humorous twist of fate that caused someone from Greece to come to America to learn about figs :) __________________ Ed Zone 6A - Southwest PA --------------------------- Short wish list: CDDG, LSU Red, Dark Greek (Navid), Col Littman's Black Cross. And any cold hardy early fig.

Otmani007

Registered:1404531079
Posts: 573

Posted 1417657847	Reply with quote #34

Wonderful intro, Chrisk. Welcome to the forum. __________________ Dallas, TX - Zone 8a Wish List: Col de Dame Blanche, Brogiotto Bianco, Sicilian White, Panache Otmani

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417658246	Reply with quote #35

Ed ,mr and mrs K LOAO! That is so true! Thanks very much great to be here! Omani thanks very much! __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

garden_whisperer

Registered:1353347580
Posts: 1,613

Posted 1417678554	Reply with quote #36

Awesome __________________ Dave Zone 6b Illinois "Be the change you wish to see in the world"

FigaroNewton

Registered:1403556278
Posts: 75

Posted 1417683435	Reply with quote #37

Quote: Originally Posted by ChrisK Bill , no problem brother ! Any figs yet? My friend, I potted my cuttings Nov. 28. So, if my novice attempt is successful, it may take a couple more weeks until figs, lol. bill __________________ Billy - Middle Tennessee Seeking: C'hiapetta, A'driatic JH, and S'mith maybe 2 cuttings or so of each. Thank-you.

Frankallen

Registered:1371842383
Posts: 994

Posted 1417690638	Reply with quote #38

Chrisk, Great Intro and story! Glad you joined us....:) __________________ Frank from Bama- Zone 7-b Alabama .................................................... "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever". Mahatma Gandhi

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417690845	Reply with quote #39

Good morning y'all! Thanks garden whisperer! That's very good news Bill,You ll be picking before long lol, in the meanwhile this is how I fight of my fig cravings! Thanks Frank, great to be here! Have a great day forum ! Attached Images image.jpg (802.43 KB, 14 views) __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

Aaron4USA

Registered:1375832059
Posts: 2,969

Posted 1417762094	Reply with quote #40

Quote: Originally Posted by ChrisK Oh my goodness ,I came back from work to find all those wonderful replies ! I'm totally overwhelmed ! Thanks Jesse and already working on it hopefully we ll all benefit! Andrea not a dry eye in the house after looking at the pic! We know exactly where that intersection is! Our house is on the left side or Palaia Loutsa! Thanks a mil brother! Thanks a lot Frank, then You know what I'm talking about Paisano! Thanks for the invitation ,I might take you up on it! Love that green fig . Stella? Hershell thanks very much! Thanks a lot John,glad You liked it! Dennis thanks for the info,I'll definitely try Pike! I have two Ukns from Folly Beach SC that I got last winter one green (that's what the owners call their house"green fig" but they don't know anything about varieties , and another possibly dark,celeste looking leaves, fruit very late still tinny on the tree as we speak!Any info appreciated!pics below. JdsFrance mon ami thanks very much and You're right it seams like they are everywhere now! :) Thanks Donpaid! Some of my neibours that are born and raised here told me that the fig tree was a must have for a homestead here in the south! Mostly celeste but You can find the occasional fmv free Ishia black lol! Most of you know what I m talking about! Aaron thanks very much and thanks for all your awesome pics and fig expertise ! Melissi ? Cross Your fingers , just say n ! Bill , no problem brother ! Any figs yet? Thank You Mohan! I felt great writing it and sharing my thoughts and feelings with a bunch of friends that can relate! Gloria thank You so much, glad to be part of this group! Chris, crossing all my fingers..and wishing and saying N ! I hope this works, LOL

ChrisK

Registered:1415844271
Posts: 937

Posted 1417762246	Reply with quote #41

Thanks Aaron,me too!lol Definitely on the right track though! __________________ ChrisK Atl GA Zone 7b-8a

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