I am happy with the final results.  However, I do need to stain it and protect it.  Presently, the materials cost me $3200.  The labor was $1600 (I gave the guys a $150 dollar cash tip).  I sold the swimming pool.  The person that bought it removed it for $500.  So, this fig investment cost me...

Materials  $3200
Labor       $1600
Pool        ($ 500)
----------------------
TOTAL      $4300

It's going to be a great fig party this year!

Thanks for all the kind words.  I am happy with the results.

Yes, this would be a great place for a fig fess.  This is where I wanted to hold one.  Before I continue with my comments, let me publicly apologize again to Gloria.  I hi-jacked her Southeastern fig post last year.  We exchanged PMs.  I apologized and politely removed my comments from her thread.  So, Gloria, again, I apologize.  Please forgive me.  I am a good person.  I don't want any hard feeling to come between us.  I hope we can be friends or even "besties"!

This year, I am unable to attend Gloria's event.  I already have another committment elsewhere. 

Last year when I first planned to have a fig fess, I planned it at my neighboorood club house.  I really wanted at my place but my property wasn't ready to hold it.  Now, it is.  The top or 3 level of the deck is completely covered with embossed lighting and ceiling fans.

I seriously thought about enclosing this deck, but the wife said no!  She said we should use the 30 acres of land and relocate some trees there.  Right now, I have 5 trees planted on the 30 arcres.

Mike, I am planning a fig fess at my place the summer of 2015.  I've already been contacted by the media in my area for a story.  One of my friends is a reporter.  She's a hoot!  Also, a friend and owner of a magazine wants to place a write up about figs and the event in his magazine.  Plus a few nurseries want to be a part of it.  But there is much more planning to do including a surprise.  I want everyone to see some of my rare large trees like Black Ischia, Black Maderia, Strawberry, Pastiliere, Celeste, Lyndhurst White, and others.

The deck is made of pressure treated pine.  There are french drains all around the deck to keep the water flowing outward towards the low end.  I also placed a double housed homemade backup drain in the center containing 2 type of rocks and a garden hose.  The hose can be connected to a pump to remove standing water quickly if necessary.

Thanks Gloria!  Now you're my BFF!  HA!

I'm in Hi-Tech Garden Supply every week!  It's on my way home from work and easy to pop in and chat.  Its where I get my big boom liquid fertilizers.  The manager, Steve, told me that Harvey called looking for Pro-Mix.  They now carry both varieties of Pro-Mix.  They use to only carry the BX....now they have both.  I sold Steve and his employee a tree last year.  Steve said a lady came in talking about me, Snaglpus.  I told Steve it had to be you because you were the only friend on the forum that I know in this area.  Steve's a good guy.  I've learned a lot from him at HTG.  I gave him a couple of jars of my Drunken Fig Jam and he loved it!

Say, HTG prices are pretty high but they are the place in town that carries Pro-Mix.  Figs grow very well in Pro-Mix.  Make sure to mulch your trees heavily or they could dry out fast on a 90+ sunny day.  If you really like Pro-Mix--Keep an eye open at Big Lots.  Last year, Big Lots had 8 bales of Pro-Mix.  On that day, everything was 75% off.  I got each bale for $7 bucks!!!  I bought them all!   I still got 5 bales in my shed!  I mix it with Daddy Pete's Potting mix.  Which is another great potting mix.  Let me know if you want so UPM.  I have a source for that too!  It's great for rooted cuttings.  Whenever I see a good deal on something, I usually buy it all!

Ed, my wife already gave me the comment about spending too much time working on figs.  So, this afternoon, I will be clearing off the top deck and cleaning it up for her.....after I finish moving all my figs out of the garage.  HA!

ok