I don't give a fig

Figs are about as exotic as it gets in this garden. We grow them in the sunniest position in the garden; the trees love to bake in the heat. The fruits, though most years are meagre, are well worth the wait. 

To pick and eat a fig, perfectly ripe and still warm from the sun, is one of the delights of summer. Besides, the architectural virtues of the tree alone earns its place in the garden - bumper crops of fruit or not. 

Ficus 'Brown Turkey' is the most reliable variety for growing in England, of which we have three. Two grown in pots as standards, taken as cuttings from the original, about 20 years old. We also have Ficus 'Bornholm' and Ficus 'Procose de Dalmatie'. Bought very cheaply, as young plants, and yet to produce fruit. 

(a fig, or, as it's been used mainly as, a pigeon's springboard)

It used to be said that for a for a fig tree to fruit, the roots needed restricting. Victorian estate gardeners would dig a pit, lining the sides and bottom with stone slabs before planting the tree; the thinking being that once the roots hit the stone the tree would concentrate more on fruit production than vegetive growth. 

You don't have to go to all this trouble - a beautiful pot would suffice. The most important consideration is aspect. Figs are never really going to be happy with a cold, northerly position. A sunny patio or terrace would be ideal. 

Then, whilst you wait for the fruit to ripen, you can sit in the shade of the tree, looking forward to tasting the fruits of your labour. 

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