North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["William C. Garthright" <billg@inebraska.com>]

> Plant the tree right next to the wall of the building and train it as 
> an espalier flat against the wall.


The problem with planting anything real close to the wall is that my 
garage is an old, poorly-maintained wooden structure. I'm afraid the 
wood siding would deteriorate (even more than it has already) from 
moisture held close by the tree and its leaves. Also, I wouldn't be able 
to get at the siding to keep it painted (which would also be a problem 
if it was a foot or two away).

There's a small window in this wall, too. Otherwise, it's just a stud 
frame with wood siding,... and plenty of small holes. There would 
certainly be reflected heat from it during the summer, but there'd be 
almost no insulation value in the winter, I'd think. This tiny garage is 
detached from the house and certainly not heated. It would be simple 
enough to add some insulation to the inside of that wall, but I really 
doubt that would make much difference.

I appreciate the ideas. It seems that planting and growing a fig tree is 
probably doable, if I really want to make the effort. I'll keep thinking 
about it. Thanks!

Bill

--
"I hope," he said, carefully considering the advisability of each word, 
"that you won't take it in ill part if I say that at present I have no 
desire to join your nebulous state. The situation, bad as it is, would 
be less desperate if I could only feel that someone, no matter how 
invisible, was paying attention to the car." - "Topper" by Thorne Smith