I Have Faith...In The Fig

 Our daughter-in-law gave us a fig tree several months ago. We kept it inside until the weather warmed, then we'd put it outside during the day to get used to the new world in which it would soon be a part. Last week we planted it in the north end of our backyard.

Then, we worried.

Before we planted it, we wondered if it was not doing well, or in other words...dying. The big beautiful leaves started to brown. I'm no expert in trees generally, or fig trees specifically, but we hoped it would enjoy its new location in the yard.

We watered it everyday and waited.

A few days ago I thought I saw a green bump growing at the top of the fig. Turns out, it's a new leaf. I went out today and saw the leaf actually taking shape. Even though it's way early in the process, I'm thinking our little fig tree just might make it after all.

I have faith in the fig.

Maybe Money Does Grow On...And From...Trees

 Last year, we conducted an experiment. At the time, we didn't call it an experiment, nor did we think of it as such, but that's what it was. We were experiencing our first spring in a new land and we wanted to plant some trees.

For Round 1, the first tree we planted did not survive. Truth be told, it was probably dead/dying when we put it in the ground. Our Round 2, we bought three small fruit trees and asked the experts at the nursery what we did wrong in Round 1 and how to keep the new trees alive for Round 2.

We planted three trees. They survived the first year, which I would think would be the toughest year for a newly planted tree. It's been so much fun seeing the blossoms, watching bees buzz around them, and looking forward to a small, but wonderful harvest.

This spring, we've visited a nursery or two. We've even considered picking up another fruit tree to add to our humble orchard...

Don't think we're going to be doing that.

Not because we don't have the room or great places to plant more trees, but because of the cost. My wife checked out trees similar to the three we planted last year and the cost floored her. We paid around $100 for the three trees last year. This spring, one tree begins at $75. It made me worry (just a little bit...) that someone might come along and dig them up and steal them out of our front yard. I know it's a silly thought, but that's what went through my head when I saw the trees in my yard and heard how much they cost now.

Of course, it's not just trees that have gone up...everything has. I don't believe it's going to stop any time soon, either. We probably won't be adding trees this year, maybe next year or the year after that. I love having fruit trees--glad we have our three.