New home for a fig tree - help needed

Several years ago my girlfriend's mother died and she 'adopted' her mum's fig tree. Now we have a slight problem in that we live in a one bedroom flat and whilst the fig is in a warm, sunny, position it is taking over the sitting room and we realise that to be fair to all parties concerned we need to re-home it. Naturally we would like it to go to a home where it will be looked-after, and possibly somewhere where it would be possible to visit it ocassionally as it obviously has great sentimental value. Does anyone know of any organisations (Kew, perhaps), preferably in the London or Derbyshire areas, that provide a rescue/re-homing service for trees?

 

I would call a museum or a site of value and interest to you and ask them if they want it in their garden

 

I thought that figs had to be kept inside (conservatory/large greenhouse) rather than outside in a garden due to our climate. If I am wrong then I bow to your superior knowledge and will look into this.

 

Hi PDWR, a friend of mine has a fig tree in his garden and always gets a good crop. Of course, there may be different types or strains of fig(I`m no expert), but my guess is that it will probably be fine outdoors. Cheers...freddy.

 

we have a fig tree in my parents yard in Italy (north) , where the winter can be absolutely ferocious (although not for many months)' and he is there alive and well...

 

Hi PDWR, the figs that freddy and mira are talking about are called Brown Turkey Figs which are outdoor plants. There are however, several indoor varieties and it seems likely that yours is one of these. As to your problem, I would suggest that you do indeed ask at Kew if they can find it a home, the worst they can do is say no. David.

 

How about Wisley RHS, its possible that they MIGHT take it for their new glasshouse.

If you should find anyone interested I would like to know PDWR, I get all sorts of stuff from time to time that needs a good home due its large size.

 

I think this got off thread a bit with what type of a fig it is rather than where it can be re-homed.

I would suspect any major company with a reception area, or art centre or even garden centre, heaven forbid, may accept such as a "gift".

The mother .. or should I say father (called Tiny Tim) of my Walter Trout cane begonia here went into the atrium of the airline services company I worked for and achieved a height of nearly 12 feet after I had had him for 15 years or more. He now lives with my dear friend in England, aged about 23 now ... the plant not my friend.

Just ask around ... unusual plants of a considerable size are worth lots of money and in this day and age, people may take up the offer of a freebie.

 

HI guys. Lady, I'm not sure that is "off-thread". If it's an outdoor variety there might members in the area that would gladly take it on. I would but I'm a bit far away. If it's an indoor variety then your advice sounds excellent

 

I've found out it's a ficus benjamina and stands about 7 - 8 feet tall.

 

Its not going to be hardy then PDWR, so is going to need a new home undercover.

 

Thank you - I dropped a line to Wisley yesterday asking if they could find a little corner in their new greenhouse. Just awaiting a response.

 

offer to keep it clean? Not unless they style your hair once a week, is my suggestion...