Fig trees have been growing in the Northwest since 1886, mostly for shade or 
an ornament. Little or no effort was mede to distribute the Fig in many localities in 
which the fig is adapted, or try to learn which variety might be best suited to home 
use or orchard planting. 
In about 1916 we took up the task where others had left off and since then we 
have found that after growing many varieties, very few were suitable to this North- 
west. The variety must be hardy, self pollenizing, stand an unlimited amount of damp- 
ness and still ripen its fruit. Any fig tree will grow here and make a fine ornamentai 
or shade tree, but to produce the finest of fruit—that was the work to be done. Few 
folks realize the value of the fig and its many poss:ble uses in both the fresh and 
preserved state. The fig, an unique fruit in that it contains no acid such as other 
fruits have, can, therefore, be eaten in quantities not permisssible by other fruits. tt 
is rich in minerals, especially sodium chloride,!a blood element; and it also contains, 
when fully ripe, about 42% sugar and 3.5% protein, and is about the most valuable 
dried fruit. 
The fig tree lives longer, bears a crop of figs each year for a continuots period of 
over six weeks, and requires no expensive spraying, trimming, or care of any kind 
after the fifth year, exce,t wa‘ecing and a litle fertilizer every year. 
Birds, Bees, Dogs, Chickens, and even Snakes, love the fig when fully ripe. 
The fig leaves are Sométimes used as a poultice for the relief of rheumatism, for 
mellowing tobacco, and the leaves contain a silky sap suitable for making rubber— 
“how about a few auto tires ?”’ | 
Biblical records mention the fig leaf as clothing and as a medicine. In the matter 
of clothing, were it “the fashion to wear ’em,” the fig leaf would be particularly 
enhanced in value; a fact due to the infinite number of patterns, no two leaves found on 
the same tree being exactly alike, thus featuring “exclusive designs.” 
The fig tree con be planted any time when there are no leaves on the tree— 
November to May. 
We have tested more than forty different varieties of the fig and find very few 
which are suitable to our climate. We have distributed more than fifty thousand trees 
in the Northwest, planted the first acreage, harvested the first tonnage, and estab- 
lished the first fig orchard in the Northwest, ripened the first Smyrna fig with the aid 
of the fig wasp (Blastophaga). This wasp’s life cycle does not exceed thirty-six hours. 
“It’s too bad that some people live longer than this.” Folks who want a fig tree like 
to be shown, rather than just to be told how good a variety is. Remember, just a few 
varieties are best; “any kind’’ won’t do. 
Twenty-six years of continuous service; twenty-six years of steady growth, through 
good times and bad times is an achievement of which any organization may. rightfully 
be proud. Twenty-six years ago, the Willamette Fig Gardens was only an idea in the 
process of development. Thanks to the vision, courage, and wisdom of the ones who 
had this dream, this splendid idea has developed into an important industry for the 
Northwest, the “Fig Industry.” 
A fig tree in your garden would be about the best investment you could have, a 
fine ornamental tree that will produce the finest fruit grown.. For a fine birthday, 
wedding, or Christmas present, it would be one long remembered. 
If you have, or are going to have, a fig tree, 
HERE ARE AFEW “DON’TS” FOR ITS CULTURE”: 
Don’t plant fig trees in the shade; they won’t bear if you do. 
Don’t plant fig trees near other older trees; they rob too much fertility from your fig. 
Don’t plant fig trees in your lawn; they will get too much water (hydrant water). 
Don’t water your trees too late in the season; stop about September 20th. 
Don’t handle or squeeze the figs before fully ripe; they won’t ripen if you do. 
Don’t pull off the ripe figs; just press on the stem—it will let loose. 
Don’t give your fig tree too much strong fertilizer, such as Vigoro. 
Don’t let the shoots grow around the base of the tree; keep them cut away. 
Don’t spade deeply around your fig tree; cuts too many roots (fruit roots). 
Don’t trim fig trees during growing season; it makes too much brush to remove later. 
Don’t climb up in fig trees; if you do you will split them off. 
Don’t wrap fig trees unless temperature falls below ten degrees; they do not need it. 
