FIGARO

Meet FIGARO.
She is our highly rated fig tree.
We hold her in high esteem.
She, like so many of our guarded plants, is an offspring from my mother-in-law's back yard. Some of you remember Mr. Lincoln, our treasured hybrid rose bush, which also grew in her back yard. If you missed that blog, click on this link to view ---> Good Ole' Mr. Lincoln.
FIGARO has been in our possession for 10-15 years.
We keep her pruned to about 6' for easy access.
Looking back, I remember how Dot had her fig tree espaliered against a wooden fence. Now I know WHY she did that. As soon as our figs have come and gone, we may give this a try: ESPALIER A FIG TREE

Her fig tree looked similar to this:

Photo credit: theinnergardnener.wordpress.com

I can almost taste the sweet delicacy of those ripe figs.

Figs can be frozen whole, or sliced. They are high in iron, calcium, potassium and fiber.
They must be allowed to ripen fully on the tree before they are picked.
A ripe fig will be slightly soft and starting to bend at the neck.
Fresh figs do not keep well and can be stored in the refrigerator for only 2-3 days.

Wait for the bend in the neck to pick from tree!

I suspect the figs will be ripe enough to gently pick in late July or early August.
Notice the netting.
UGH... WHAT A PAIN!
Did I mention deer, squirrels, groundhogs, raccoons, birds, and chipmunks in my previous post?????
If you missed that one, as well, click here to view---> HELLO FROM OUTBACK.
OK. Back to the netting:

I refuse to allow anyone/any animal other than a very few designated people to eat from this tree that  I call FIGARO.
Her Majesty the Queen, eats from this tree.
....."You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die."..... (of course this quote is TOTALLY taken out of context)
King Ron is not particularly fond of figs...... which is a good thing FOR ME!
YOU ARE HEREBY FOREWARNED.
PS.
Figaro produced her fruit a little earlier than anticipated!
So far, I have consumed the delicacy of 3 figs!