So! Yesterday I took bit the bullet & took the very long, arduous 1.5 hour drive to the much covetted Burbank & Vineland tree, which by the way, is NOT on either of those streets! I walked up to the door, rang the bell. Waited. Waited. Waited. Heard a dog inside but no one answered. Rang the bell again and waited again. No one answered. All the while I was checking out the beautiful fig tree in the front yard. I finally walked across the street. Where a neighbor was painting a decorative santa sleigh. He said the owners are hardly ever home. Silly me to think i could just drive there and find someone at home. The neighbor did confirm the fig tree had a great crop of beautiful & huge figs & that the owner gives them away freely but I couldn't bring myself to "stealing" any branches. I just couldnt do it. After about 15 minutes of conversation with the neighbor, I realized it was not gonna happen. So I did the next best thing! I drive to the post office, get a Priority mail box & postage to leave at his door step with a nice note pleading for cuttings. I left my email & cell # with hopes he will communicate with me. As I drive through, leaving the tiny neighborhood, I spot two OTHER fig trees. I stop and look but the house is completely gated and no chance of ringing the doorbell because the entry door has a chain on it...ugh. My thinking was that perhaps these were from the same tree since they were down the street. Again I walk accross the street where a neighbor is sweeping. I inquire about the two trees and he says they green figs but doesnt know anything more. However when I ask about the "fig tree on the corner" he immediately said "oh yes, those are huge figs! And he gives them away." I drove away but still have a tiny hope that the owner of the Burbank tree will mail back cuttings. Update to follow :-D Meg

Wow. Speechless. Sorry for the long drive hope you get some. I would give you a cutting but already gave the top of the plant away abd ut was only a foot or so tall. You went to the right tree i can tell by the leaf pic.

Mine is small, but if you don't get one from the owner, I'll send you an air layer next year. Just remind me next June.

[QUOTE=figpig_66]Wow. Speechless. Sorry for the long drive hope you get some. I would give you a cutting but already gave the top of the plant away abd ut was only a foot or so tall. You went to the right tree i can tell by the leaf pic. [/QUOTE]

Well, Richie, you know how hard that traffic can be.  I always think "it's just an hour or two"  but when I'm in it, it is killer.  

The other thing is that I took my daughter and her two friends with me because I promised to show them the Citadel on the way back (they've never been there), and they laughed and giggled (loudly) all the way there and back (teenagers!).

Anyway, it was still a good trip.  I had promised a couple of people here on F4F that I would go and if I got cuttings I would share them.  I did my part.  I hope we get cuttings.  No worries about your tree...I understand.  And, if you gave cuttings away to everyone, you would have NO tree, right?!  Thanks for the thought but it's fine.

Yeah, that tree was really great.  It's not too tall but it is a hefty tree!  I would have loved to have talked with the owner but it didn't happen.  You never know...

....to be continued :-D

[QUOTE=ADelmanto]Mine is small, but if you don't get one from the owner, I'll send you an air layer next year. Just remind me next June. [/QUOTE]

Wow, Aaron, that's kind of you to offer an air layer...your tree is beautiful though.  Okay, let's see what happens in the next week or so.  Again, thank you for even considering it, Aaron.  I totally appreciate it.

What is so special about this tree?

[QUOTE=Smungung]What is so special about this tree?[/QUOTE]

lol...it seems that it's a very good and flavorful fig.  It also is huge!  The story is also fun.  I only heard of this recently and that's why I drove there because it's close enough for me to do so.  

I'm sure others can give you a good description of the fig...

Edit: "close enough" is a relative term.

Is it in California? Maybe a member living closer than you do could help out. I live in Banning CA. Please let me know if I can be of assistance.  

Hi, Noel: I dont know if anyone lives closer but you are really far arent you? However, if you hapoen to be in the area, absolutely appreciate your help. There are two things that make the drive so difficult for me 1) the distance and 2) the holiday traffic. Everyone is out shopping on the weekends :-/. Thank you for offering to help.

Wow, I would have taken some branches. If it were a small tree, then no, I would not disturb it. But a big old tree in ground..will not miss a branch or three. Hopefully you get something in the mail. I remember that Aaron reported the owner was allergic to figs, hopefully it's not a contact allergy. 

If I had done that they would call me unworthy lol.  You did the right thing though.  I believe it will all work out in your favor now. :)

Oh is it the post with the tree that belongs to the man that is allergic to them and a forum member is addicting to eating the figs?

[QUOTE=cis4elk]Wow, I would have taken some branches. If it were a small tree, then no, I would not disturb it. But a big old tree in ground..will not miss a branch or three. Hopefully you get something in the mail. I remember that Aaron reported the owner was allergic to figs, hopefully it's not a contact allergy. [/QUOTE

Yes, i read that he was allergic. I know it seens harmless but I just cant do it...cant see myself taking branches without permission. If it were an abandoned tree it woukd be fine but its not. I figure most people aporeciate honesty. I know I do. Maybe he will just put cuttings in the box & send them to me:-D!

[QUOTE=Smungung]Oh is it the post with the tree that belongs to the man that is allergic to them and a forum member is addicting to eating the figs?[/QUOTE]

Yes!!

[QUOTE=Charlie]If I had done that they would call me unworthy lol.  You did the right thing though.  I believe it will all work out in your favor now. :)

[/QUOTE]

Lol...Chalie. :-D that tree is really very nicely pruned but i was preparing my cuts as I waited for hom to open the door. It just never happened...the door never opened.

Wow! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? 
I have two of those and could share, one is quite small. 

I hope to go by the famous tree soon but have other reasons. Not far from it is a rare Assam cuisine restaurant which has great takeout food and claims to be open from 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM. I’ve been there once. It’s ugly inside but the food was good. Assam food has all the strong seasonings of Indian curry but not the heat, unless you ask for it. 

[QUOTE=greenfig]Wow! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? 
I have two of those and could share, one is quite small. [/QUOTE]

Oh, really?! Greenfin, I would love to have one!  I had posted on the original link where others were talking about it.  I guess I didn't know you had one to share :-(  You're in Pasadena?

[QUOTE=AltadenaMara]I hope to go by the famous tree soon but have other reasons. Not far from it is a rare Assam cuisine restaurant which has great takeout food and claims to be open from 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM. I’ve been there once. It’s ugly inside but the food was good. Assam food has all the strong seasonings of Indian curry but not the heat, unless you ask for it. [/QUOTE]

Mara, that restaurant sounds delicious!  I know that area has some great ethnic food.  

[QUOTE=Smyfigs]So! Yesterday I took bit the bullet & took the very long, arduous 1.5 hour drive to the much covetted Burbank & Vineland tree, which by the way, is NOT on either of those streets! I walked up to the door, rang the bell. Waited. Waited. Waited. Heard a dog inside but no one answered. Rang the bell again and waited again. No one answered. All the while I was checking out the beautiful fig tree in the front yard. I finally walked across the street. Where a neighbor was painting a decorative santa sleigh. He said the owners are hardly ever home. Silly me to think i could just drive there and find someone at home. The neighbor did confirm the fig tree had a great crop of beautiful & huge figs & that the owner gives them away freely but I couldn't bring myself to "stealing" any branches. I just couldnt do it. After about 15 minutes of conversation with the neighbor, I realized it was not gonna happen. So I did the next best thing! I drive to the post office, get a Priority mail box & postage to leave at his door step with a nice note pleading for cuttings. I left my email & cell # with hopes he will communicate with me. As I drive through, leaving the tiny neighborhood, I spot two OTHER fig trees. I stop and look but the house is completely gated and no chance of ringing the doorbell because the entry door has a chain on it...ugh. My thinking was that perhaps these were from the same tree since they were down the street. Again I walk accross the street where a neighbor is sweeping. I inquire about the two trees and he says they green figs but doesnt know anything more. However when I ask about the "fig tree on the corner" he immediately said "oh yes, those are huge figs! And he gives them away." I drove away but still have a tiny hope that the owner of the Burbank tree will mail back cuttings. Update to follow :-D Meg[/QUOTE]

I hope you get your cuttings! Hopefully since you wouldn't take branches without asking your good karma will pay off :). You will soon find that every new fig variety you get introduce to (thanks for the forum) will be on your list...... and it will get long very fast.  

So now I want cuttings and a to go order.  Full on spice mixture with no heat is exactly what I love!   :)

[QUOTE=sppsp]Meg, good effort and thanks for taking the time [/QUOTE]

Happy to give it a good try, Sheila.

[QUOTE=rcantor]So now I want cuttings and a to go order.  Full on spice mixture with no heat is exactly what I love!   :)[/QUOTE]

Lol...you got it! :)

[QUOTE=rmulhero][QUOTE=Smyfigs]So! Yesterday I took bit the bullet & took the very long, arduous 1.5 hour drive to the much covetted Burbank & Vineland tree, which by the way, is NOT on either of those streets! I walked up to the door, rang the bell. Waited. Waited. Waited. Heard a dog inside but no one answered. Rang the bell again and waited again. No one answered. All the while I was checking out the beautiful fig tree in the front yard. I finally walked across the street. Where a neighbor was painting a decorative santa sleigh. He said the owners are hardly ever home. Silly me to think i could just drive there and find someone at home. The neighbor did confirm the fig tree had a great crop of beautiful & huge figs & that the owner gives them away freely but I couldn't bring myself to "stealing" any branches. I just couldnt do it. After about 15 minutes of conversation with the neighbor, I realized it was not gonna happen. So I did the next best thing! I drive to the post office, get a Priority mail box & postage to leave at his door step with a nice note pleading for cuttings. I left my email & cell # with hopes he will communicate with me. As I drive through, leaving the tiny neighborhood, I spot two OTHER fig trees. I stop and look but the house is completely gated and no chance of ringing the doorbell because the entry door has a chain on it...ugh. My thinking was that perhaps these were from the same tree since they were down the street. Again I walk accross the street where a neighbor is sweeping. I inquire about the two trees and he says they green figs but doesnt know anything more. However when I ask about the "fig tree on the corner" he immediately said "oh yes, those are huge figs! And he gives them away." I drove away but still have a tiny hope that the owner of the Burbank tree will mail back cuttings. Update to follow :-D Meg[/QUOTE]

I hope you get your cuttings! Hopefully since you wouldn't take branches without asking your good karma will pay off :). You will soon find that every new fig variety you get introduce to (thanks for the forum) will be on your list...... and it will get long very fast.  [/QUOTE]

Yes, I'm hoping for that, Becky.  I am so into figs...my thoughts are now on moving to a place where I can have some land for them :-)  MOST EVERYTHING is in a pot in my back yard because I don't have the ground space for anything more. On my list...yes, this is a crazy forum!  And I love it!

So, I waited through Thanksgiving...I had hope that the owner of the Burbank fig tree http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/unk-burbank-and-vineland-ave-fig-story-this-fig-is-mmgood-6920958?highlight=burbank+fig&trail=25 would have a little time to put cuttings in the pre-paid priority box I left for him. It looks like he isnt going to do send anything. I am a little disappointed but everyone has their reasons, right?! Greenfig, I want to take you up on your offer for sharing one of your trees with me. I will PM you. For those who wanted cuttings, perhaps in the near future I will make the trek there again for you. Not sure when though. Another thought is when I HAVE a mature enough tree, I will be happy to send YOU cuttings :-)!

Don't give up hope.  I left a note on a door three months ago for the owner to call me since I heard he was going to cut down a forty year old tree and I would like some cuttings.  He called me about an hour ago so I have another tree to prune and will share back some of the starts to him.  He wants to populate a different piece of land with fig trees and didn't know how to do it.  

Here is today's photo of my Burbank Tree (going dormant):

This is the original pot that it was rooted in. I just placed the cuttings sideways. Lost the other one. 

 

Charlie, you are an inspiration!!! Thank you. I also emailed another contact from a great fig tree I found about 30 days ago but no response yet. You never know...

Sas, your tree looks great! ad I shared with you in a PM, I think this fig tree will likely get chopped some day soon because according to neighbors, the owner does get a lot of people knocking at his door. And both neighbors confirmed that the figs are huge and very good! The other reason it might get chopped aside from the fact that the owner gets lots of requests (house is on the corner in plain view for all), id that he is allergic to figs, according to Aaron's older posts. So those of you who have trees from the mother tree are very lucky!

Meg, here is mine, trying to go dormant. It set a couple of figs late, but I won't
get to try any ripe ones until next summer.
 

Gary, what a nice looking tree!!! I am sure you'll enjoy the fruit. Both neighbors, one directly accross & the other on the opposite end of the block, confirmed the fruit description Aaron orinially posted. No doubt its a FIND!

Maybe next time leave the box with the friendly neighbor across the street and see if he will talk to the owner for you.

Pitangadiego, I actuakly considered that except I REALLY felt the owner would come through.

I'm still waiting for the trees here to go dormant before going there. Don't the cuttings root better if the tree is dormant before taking them? Over half my trees still have green leaves. 

Mara, our weather is so warm, I think most trees/pkants cannot change or go dormant because of this. I know my lemon tree fruits yesr round but when I first planted it, itonly fruit throught the summer months. Yes, I think a dormant cutting roots better but Im not the expert.

[QUOTE=AltadenaMara]I'm still waiting for the trees here to go dormant before going there. Don't the cuttings root better if the tree is dormant before taking them? Over half my trees still have green leaves. 

[/QUOTE]

Yeap, same here. Lots of leaves and small green figs. Crazy weather

Meg, I hope the owner will surprise you with a christmas gift.

Yes, it will be nice to get it for the Christmas but request a rain deer support, a large pot might get stuck in the chimney with elves otherwise!

That would be so great, Norhayati!  Lol...Greenfig!  Ya never know!  It would be awesome to see the cuttings though :-D!  It would totally make my day!

I've been thinking about reasons why the owner would not send cuttings.  If he is allergic to figs, he may also be allergic to the sap or any part of the tree.  In that case, it makes sense not to touch it.  If that were the case, however, wouldn't he just chop it down?

I drove to the famous Unknown Burbank and Vineland fig tree this afternoon after catching a movie at the Burbank mall. As I walked up to the house's front door, a side door quickly closed, so I know someone was there. I knocked and rang the door bell several times, both at the front and side door, but no one answered. I have the distinct impression they don’t want to be bothered by fig people. I left a note with my phone number in the mail box by the door saying I would like to buy some cuttings of the fig tree and asked them to name their price. Other than this, I don’t know what else can be done. It’s a smallish but mature tree compared to most fig trees I’ve seen with a lot of inside branching. It could use a light pruning of several small inside branches. But I don’t feel right just taking some cuttings without permission.

Yes, Mara, it seems that they just dont want to deal with us anymore :-(.
Well, since a very, very kind F4f member GAVE me one of his Burbank trees (and a few other great varieties--THANK YOU, IGOR (Greenfig)!), I'll be happy to share Burbank tree cuttings with you. It's a bit small still so I will let you know :-).

Sorry you didnt grt the response you were hoping for. I know how that feels!

Thanks so much Meg. I'll have some cuttings to share with you as well.