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coop951

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Hi All,
I am new to the forum but old with fig growing. I have been stalking the forum for a while and really enjoy it all. I have been growing figs for over 20 years here in Northern NJ Zone 7a.
My love of figs started in Brooklyn some 40 years ago. Some of my Italian friends had grandfathers who grew figs in their back yard. Having never tasted a fresh fig before, I one day ate one in Nicky Red's back yard. An instant revelation occurred. I said some day I will have a house and grow figs too....Cut forward 20 years and I am riding around Northvale NJ (Bergen County, Northern NJ) and I pass a garden with a fig tree the size of an elm tree. I pass this house almost daily hoping to see someone in the back yard. One day I see an old man double digging his tomato patch and I stop the car. "Excuse me sir, that is the most incredible tree I have ever seen". He said "you want to come in"?, "I'd love to" I said and Dominick and we shared a unique and loving friendship for the next 15 years or so. 
Dominick had been taking care of his tree since 1933 when his father brought it with him from Italy. Of course I asked him what type of figs they were and he said "purple". He gave me a cutting that first day and I have been making cuttings into plants and giving them away for 15 years. There are about 25 or so people currently growing "Dominick Figs" and it makes me feel so good knowing that now that Dominick is gone forever, his figs have continued. His beautiful tree was razed for a lawn and I can no longer pass the house and garden where I spent so much time with Dominick over the years. Every year we would dig it up and bury it.
I went under his tree after I found out that he had passed and promised him that I would give as many people as I can a cutting of his tree to carry on.
I grow Dominicks trees in the ground and in Bill's containers and are as tasty and hardy as any other fig variety I grow..... 
So as a newbie to the forum and not sure how this all plays out I have a bunch of cutting currently in water getting initial and some roots and would love to pass them on or trade with others who are interested in a truly magical fig tree. 
I think Dominick would love this.
Let me know how this all works, I you are interested let me know. Would love to trade with others. Will post some low resolution pictures next.
Coop
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Coop  
Northern NJ Zone 7a
musillid

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Tremendous story and exactly why so many of us grow things. I give and take a lot of plants just on the memory of the person at the end of the transaction. Hurrah for you.
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Dale
non compost mentis in Zone 6a
americanfiglover

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
That's wonderful. I would love to help grow these figs to carry on his name. 
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Jarrett
Spokane, WA ZONE 6A
Proudly Serving in the United States Armed Forces, 2009-Present
Everyone should have a green thumb
Figs: Nero600m
garden_whisperer

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Very nice story and welcome to the forum. sounds like a great fig. des it have a breba crop? do you have pics of the frui or trees to share. how does it taste? crunchy. sorry I just cant wait until figs ripen up. been almost a year. and i love pics :)
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Dave Zone 6b Illinois

"Be the change you wish to see in the world"
newnandawg

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Coop, so glad you decided to join in and share that wonderful story about you and Dominick. Welcome to the forum.  I have sent you an email
 in reference to cuttings.
MichaelTucson

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Great story, Coop.

Mike   central NY state, zone 5a
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Pauca sed matura.
cis4elk

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Welcome Coop, thanks for sharing the story and the tree. I can't wait to see some pic's.
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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.  :)
rcantor

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
Welcome!
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Zone 6, MO

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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.
greenfig

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Welcome! email sent
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wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal
eatmoreyeah

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
Coop what a great story, one in which is very similar to a story my father told me. I'd love to have a cutting. I sent you an email.

Charles
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Bourjassotte Grise/Noire, Brogiotto Nero, D'All Osso, Francazzano Nero, Grise de St. Jean, LSU Red, Melanzana, Natalina, NDB, Rigata Rossa A, Sultane and Tacoma Violet.

Have a healthy inventory for trades.
bullet08

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
coop, lovely story. hope to see more about Dominick Fig.
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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...*****
javajunkie

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
Welcome coop, thank you so much for sharing your story.
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Tami
SE Texas
greg88

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
GREAT story coop, thansk for sharing.  can you tell us more about the fig?
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Greg North West Arkanasas Zone 6b
Wish list: any SPECTACULAR cold hardy figs, and/or perhaps a Niagra Bl., Laradek EBT, Kathleen's Bl, Hunt, a great UNK or anything anyone wants me to have???
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
Wonderful story Coop!  I know if feels good to share his legacy with others.  Hope you stick around and chat with us.
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Frank
zone 7a - VA
Tam

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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Welcome, that is a great story. Thank you for sharing. I have sent you an email.

Best,
Tam 
JohnnieB

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Posted Reply with quote  #16 
Welcome Coop
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Dieseler

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Posted Reply with quote  #17 
Hi COOP !
Wonderful story.
Naw your not new to the forum just have not posted much.

Heck you registered about 2 weeks after i did 5 YEARS AGO !
Probably less than a 100 of us back then.

So i just say 
Nice to see you posting again,  instead of welcome to the forum like when a person first registers .  ; )


Edit  - 104 of us back then.
coop951

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Posted Reply with quote  #18 
Hi to all my new friends,
I have received many requests for Dominick's figs and will get to everyone either soon or when the tree goes dormant. Everyone who wants a cutting will get one. To those who asked, I do not sell these but thank you. As of now I will pay for postage, I just want to get Dominicks figs into as many gardens as possible. I will post some current photos real soon
I would love to send one to Jon for the foundation, please let me know how.
This has been wonderful
Coop
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Coop  
Northern NJ Zone 7a
Pattee

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Posted Reply with quote  #19 
Hi Coop welcome and so glad you have decided to post !! What a wonderfully heartwarming story. Looking forward to reading more about Dominick's purple fig .
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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
snaglpus

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Posted Reply with quote  #20 
Hey Coop!  Now, that's the kinda stories i like to hear!  Great story!
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Dennis
Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a 
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Posted Reply with quote  #21 
Welcome, Coop.  what a lovely story about the fig tree.  I'm sure Dominick is smiling down at you.
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Valerie
New York, zone 6b
DallasFigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #22 
Touching story.  It's amazing how people can be brought together over a shared commonality.  I would be honored to grow them and then share cuttings and your story in the future.  I just started growing figs this past year and have given away about a dozen trees of various varieties so far.

I sent you an email.  

Thanks!
James
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James - Irving, TX - Zone: 8a

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SoniSoni

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Posted Reply with quote  #23 
Hello Coop,  That's a precious story of friendship. I would love to grow Dominic's fig.  My grandfather from Italy grew figs and that's where my love of figs came from. Sadly, no one thought to perpetuate his fig. :-(   This is a wonderful way to memorialize Dominic. I know he would love this legacy.
I'd be delighted to carry on Dominic's fig and the story of your friendship with him..  If you look at my list on the bottom is my rooted cuttings available for trade or I can pay your postage with Pay Pal, or any way you prefer,
I'd really like to pay your postage.  This F4F has enormous membership and the responce you get may be over whelming. 

Adriatic JR
Brown Turkey
Bronx unknown
GenoaWhite
Panache
Paradiso Bronze
Sal's G
Unknown Oregon Adriatic
Red Sicilian

                 
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Soni   GA. 7-8.  
 seeking Galicia Negra, Bianchi Guido, Violette de Sollies, Emerald Strawberry
gabeE2407

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Posted Reply with quote  #24 
A warm welcome and many thanks for sharing your heartening story. I'm still new to growing figs but I hope I'll be among those who'll get a cutting and be a part of something great. For me, there is a special joy and wonder to growing something with a history, or one that connects me with nice people and faraway places. I have an Osborne Prolific in Northern California; a cutting I took from it two years ago is now over eight feet tall and growing and producing in the Philippines. Sometimes I like to imagine I really have a vast garden, with just a pool of ocean in between. ;-)
pieman

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Posted Reply with quote  #25 
Hi coop

That's a great story very heart warming and nice to know that there is people out there willing to invite a stranger into there garden and strike up a long and lasting relation ship and all for the sake of a genuine love of figs  may the memory of Dominic live on through out the ages
I would love to plant one of these trees here in the U.K. would it be possible for you to send cuttings to me i will of course pay the shipping cost i can then offer cuttings therefore spreading the name of Domini cs figs throughout the U.K.
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Marc

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Posted Reply with quote  #26 
Welcome coop, that's a great story!
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Marc Z5b
My Wishlist: Martinenca Rimada,  Salem  Dark,  Unk. Teramo, Figo Preto, Angelo's dark, Corinth,  Genovese Nero,  Rockaway Green, Sumacki, Brooklyn White,  St-Rita, Smith,  Bronze Paradiso, Lyndhurst White, Rmali, Galicia Negra, Emalyn's Purple,  Saint Anthony,  Dall' Osso
ohjustaguy

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Posted Reply with quote  #27 
Enjoyed that story...thanks and welcome Coop :)
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San Jose 9b
http://www.kevinsedibleyard.com/
Alan1631

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Posted Reply with quote  #28 

Great story....

PM sent regarding the cuttings.
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Alan
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Zone 9 - Central Florida

Wish List: Panache, Bourjosotte Gris, Raspberry Latte, Petite Negri, Black Maderia, Cajun Honey
Matt_from_Pittsburgh

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Posted Reply with quote  #29 
Also enjoyed the story. Thanks for posting it. Makes me miss my old neighborhood.
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Matt
Pittsburgh, PA
Zone 6ish
Pmui

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Posted Reply with quote  #30 
Coop,
Sent you a message.

Peter
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Peter
Zone 6b (NJ): starting out fig enthus. :)
Figs4Life

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Posted Reply with quote  #31 
welcome to the forum, wonderful story
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My name is George & I live in NY zone 6B
mgginva

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Posted Reply with quote  #32 
Welcome and thanks for the story.
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Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list:   Perretta, 
eden13

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Posted Reply with quote  #33 
Welcome and thank you for the lovely story about the fig tree.
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Wish List: Col de Dame Negra and Gris, Noire de Caramba, Abicou Noire, Zingarella, Sultan, Dalmatie and any Yugoslavian(Bosnian, Serbian,Croatian...).
Atlanta, Georgia
Eden
Pasquale1962

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Posted Reply with quote  #34 
Welcome... I love how so many of us have such wonderful stories to share... Thank you for sharing!!!

This is such a great Hobby!!!
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Zone 5b : -15 to -10 (F)
Tejas

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Posted Reply with quote  #35 
Coop,

Great story!
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Max

Roswell, Georgia

Zone 7b
FigTrees2013

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Posted Reply with quote  #36 
This story is great! It is terrible that the tree was cut down, though the legacy left behind through the cuttings is amazing! Its wonderful that you are so committed to carrying on Dominick's love of this fig. My great grandfather grew a fig tree in America, and he covered it every year for decades. Unfortunately after he died nobody continued to bury or cover the tree, and so it died. I would love to grow Dominick's variety, I love the Italian figs! Do you happen to know where in Italy Dominick was from? My great-grandfather came from Abruzzi.
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Zone 6b
javajunkie

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Posted Reply with quote  #37 
May I please get in for a cutting in the fall Coop? I would like to pay postage. A person could go bankrupt paying all the postage themselves. I know we all are willing to pay postage.
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Tami
SE Texas
timgoodin

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Posted Reply with quote  #38 
Enjoyed the story and would like to carry on the tradition, if you have some dormant cuttings available in the fall/winter I would love to try my hand at rooting and growing here in West KY.  Would be happy to pay postage.

Thanks again for the story.
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Tim Goodin
USDA Hardiness Zone 6b/7a
West KY
My trees: Celeste, Brown Turkey, Hardy Chicago, Mission, LSU Purple, Gold and O'Roark, Desert King, Condria, Hollier, several others rooting

Looking for any named varities hardy zone 6 and tasty.
Mithril

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Posted Reply with quote  #39 
Fantastic :)

(I'm in England so regretfully can't take up the offer of cuttings).
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Growing (outside, in pots (wintered in a shed), in Southern England, Zone 8 / 9):
Brunswick; 'Wilkinson's Unknown' (i.e. I haven't a clue); Brown Turkey

Wish list: Petite Negri, Violette de Bordeaux, Reculver, Violette Normande
Jed

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Posted Reply with quote  #40 
I tried growing roots from Marseilles de something from the CA Rare Fruit Scion Exchange in Februrary but I think I started them too soon and they became moldy. I would like to try again when the cuttings are available.
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Sacramento, CA 95825
Zone 9
BronxFigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #41 
Coop:

The story was wonderful.   Better yet, sharing cuttings from Dominick's favorite tree will keep his memory alive, and he will always be honored.  You are giving us a chance to grow his living monument.

Thank you, Coop.

Dominick....Sit Tibi Terra Levis...'May the Earth Rest Gently Upon Thee'.  Rest in Peace.



Frank
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Bronx, NYC
Zone-7
cobb4861

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Posted Reply with quote  #42 
Great story Coop!  And you just found the best way to spread the story and the fig tree's so that it will never be gone.  I'm sure your friend Dominick is very proud of you.
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Meghan Cobb ~ Growing zone 9 Wish List: Pane e Vino White and /or Dark, De la Reina, Iranian mountain fig and anything else that is great to grow or at least try in the hot and humid Southeast Texas.
BLB

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Posted Reply with quote  #43 
Great story Coop! I too was introduced to fig growing by a friend who for years offered me figs to eat and finally after refusing several times tasted one and was hooked. She gave me a cutting in water which was my first tree. I think what you are doing is a wonderful way to honor your friend. Bring a few to the fall meeting in September, I'm certain that many will appreciate it
tvp

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Posted Reply with quote  #44 
So cool. Thanks for sharing (months ago... but I'm just reading it now!)
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Zone 6b, Northwest Virginia
So far: Chicago Hardy, Celeste, Brown Turkey

Wish List: Varieties that grow well in Zone 6!
IslandFig

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Posted Reply with quote  #45 
Hi Coop,
that was a wonderful story! Good luck in spreading the joy of Dominick's Fig:-)
rafaelissimmo

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Posted Reply with quote  #46 
A great story, a great legacy. All the best wishes with your propagation. Be fruitful and multiply!
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Zone 7b, Queens, New York
Lumberben

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Posted Reply with quote  #47 
A truly great story!
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Ben
Atlantic County, NJ Zone 7
Wish List: Any in-ground hardy trees,Ronde De Bordeaux, Kathleen Black, Malta Black
GRamaley

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Posted Reply with quote  #48 
Wonderful story thanks for sharing!!
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Gloria
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7a, maybe 8
Hoosierguy86

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Posted Reply with quote  #49 
Hi Coop,

That is such a great story. I have a ten month old daughter who loves fruit and I hope to share what I plant now for generations to come just as your friend did with you!
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Scott N. Indiana 5b/6a
Santander

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Posted Reply with quote  #50 
What a touching story of friendship and it is a wonderful way to honor your friend's legacy. PM sent. I know you are not interested in the money but I would like to contribute to help defer some of the shipping costs for your project.
Tony
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