Just going to put this out there for fellow members to be advised. This past November 29th, I was contacted by a gentleman named Grant Williams (F4F/DavesGarden/GW member grant_n_GA) via my DG account looking to "work up a trade". He offered "have a few things on your want list plus some ohters you might want to work with". What he sent was cuttings of what was supposed to have been Brown Turkey, Golden Celeste, and a cutting of Hardy Chicago. The HC did not make it (the cuttings arrived dry). Here's the rub. If you recall my recent post about the bogus "Golden Celeste" which turned out to be a regular Celeste. The last few days I have noticed that the "Brown Turkey" cuttings he sent are dropping their immature figs and appear to be identical to the now three Celeste varieties I have bought/traded for without wanting to. I don't think it is a coincidence. Additionally, the day after he mailed out the cuttings I traded for, he turned up here and at GW offering additional varieties. I wrote him after my "Golden Celeste" post and informed him of the error to which he apologized and admitted that the cuttings were given to him (he initially told me the BT tree was on his property and produced large, purple figs with greenish tops). Those of you who may have traded with him should be aware of this issue. I apologize to the forum member with whom I traded two of those bogus "Golden Celeste" rooted cuttings back in early February. I did not know they were regular Celestes.

I sent him several cuttings - I think Morley, Blue Celeste, Black Mission and some regular Celeste?  I never asked for anything in return, though.  If I recall, he'd mentioned preparing to visit some heirloom trees in GA and offered up some cuttings, and I was interested.  That was months ago, and I haven't seen or heard anything back, but granted (no pun intended), I definitely failed to follow up.

If what you say is totally accurate it is disturbing ... I use the word "accurate" because there's two sides to everything - maybe he got the sticks from someone else and forwarded to you unknowingly?  Sadly, if it is 100% accurate,  I wouldn't be surprised.  This is exactly why I choose to not swap with anyone that hasn't contributed to the forum for a few months (at least), and I'm always wary of anyone that hops in and talks people up asking for cuttings without giving anything first, because they usually leave suddenly, never to be seen again.

In the end, Ruben, all I can tell you is this:  For you, a guy that I appreciate a lot, a fellow that has been here and posted for a while and contributed quite a bit, please know that you'll always get legit cuttings from me, I'll always ship them to you for free, and I'll never expect anything in return except that you "pay it forward" to somoene deserving of it.  That is the kindness that was ultimately extended to me here, and what I continue to share with others.  There are several other members here that are the same way, many of them have join dates prior to 2010, although we have a couple of newbies that I have a gut feeling will stick around. There are some more "silent" members that are great to trade with as well, but I won't name names, don't want to embarrass anyone ;). They know who they are.

I have yet to find a member from Texas I don't like (that includes you, Cecil).  I've had some really good trades and gifts with/from TX folks, I appreciate every one of you.

Thanks a lot, Jason. Needless to say, the feeling is mutual. btw, I am growing out a cutting of the Verte figs I posted recently for you to have. I know you were interested but opted to wait until the trees were dormant. You will have it in a few weeks. Take care.

Ruben, that guy emailed me too last year wanting cuttings.  Something did not seem right.....my gut feeling told me something wasn't right.  So, I chose not to trade.  Glad I did.   But those I owe cuttings will get theirs from me this Fall.

Dennis,

If he had just asked, I would have sent them for free. I would rather give cuttings away than be deceived and waste my time on a variety I already have or do not want. Take care.