Aside from the divine fruit, fig trees have terrific leaves, and their branching personality provides great bones for the garden (even as winter interest). Many varieties can be tended to in containers, as well. The fig is something to embrace because it is meant for our part of the world—at peace with heat, drought and humidity. (I feel like I am forever mentioning these challenges in this blog, but still ….)

I’ve heard of people getting frustrated with their fig trees and lack of fruiting. So I have questioned several gardening friends/experts, and two things came up: shelter from wind and a warm spot. Think about a spot up against the house. A local nursery I haunt plants them up against their greenhouses, and they thrive.

Our fig will probably go on the south side of our house, so when the winds whip through Sugar Hollow coming from the North, the fig will be nestled in safely. And, although the word is that they are fine with poor soil, I will probably give it a healthy dose of compost or worm castings to establish it with the best start possible.

Some varieties to consider if you are down South: “Celeste” (this will be my first choice), “Galbun” and “LSU Purple.” Varieties that can be cultivated easily in containers: “English Brown Turkey,” “Hardy Chicago Fig” and “Petite Negri.”

Now, I just need to wait until April. I have a feeling that will be the hardest part of planting my fig tree.