Growing figs from seeds is NOT recommended; unless one is an EXPERT breeder with plenty of space/patiece! I once grew (like weed) seeds from dried-figs (any store) just for the sake of 'seeing' them fig seedlings, then destroyed as I know that they do NOT breed true, and the chances of getting a same/superior new fig cultivar are (on average)1000:1...

my experience... Last year, I tried wrapping a business card (other thick card stock will work as well) with metal duct tape. I was able to write on both sides of the card with a ball point pen and the card prevented the impression on one side from coming through to the other. I extended the tape about 3/4" from the card on one side and about 1/4" on the others. I was able to punch a hole through the tape on the long side and run string through it. I did not attach it to the plant this year, rather, I laid it on top of the mix in the pot. The print is still visible on both sides and it does not show any evidence of coming apart. These are a bit more time consuming than I would like. This year, I cut plastic (opaque) milk containers into strips and wrote on them with a Sharpie. They have faded, and I do not think they will last another season. Also, I've had more than a few dug up by the squirrels. Next season, I was going to try sending Avery Laser Business Cards (#5371) through the printer, separate, then laminate them. I have information about my trees in a database and created a print format to fit on the cards. I called Kinkos, they charge less than $3.00 per sheet, and by my calculations, I can probably fit 8 cards per sheet. Also, Harbor Freight tools has advertised an inexpensive laminator in the past. For those of you who are growing in plastic pots, you could write the information you want on the side of the pot with a Sharpie or a grease pencil. Also, there are dog tag machines in Walmart (probably in the pet stores) as well as online. These carry three lines of information and would probably be the most permanent in terms of retaining its original properties. The machines in Walmart charge $5, and if I remember correctly, there are some online sources that allow you to upload the information via a word processor and are about $2.5 Like George, I also write the cultivar name (and other info) on cuttings with a sharpie (now that I'm thinking about it, I may have gotten the idea from George). It is also good practice to write the same info on a tree before repotting/transplanting. Just remember that if you later find out your X variety turns out to be a Y, you want to be able to change the label easily. I also have a map of the trees in my backyard I created on the computer. When I move the pots around, I update the map. Since I am traveling a lot, it helps to have a map to write instructions on for whoever is caring for my trees while I am gone. Also, if there is a problem, I can tell which tree they are talking about. ~james

5-spice is not a traditional ingredient in char siu. It isn't thought to go well with pork, Chinese prefer to use it with beef and occasionally, poultry. I use the already-pkg'ed chunky strips of boneless pork butt (shoulder or blade, as it's called in some regions). They're about 2" wide x tall, and about 10-12" long. Good proportion of fat to lean, which is critical in Chinese cooking. You can get pretty much the same effect by using one of the good quality sesame teriyaki marinades, like Soy Vey or Trader Joe's. Marinate for a day, and grill it on the barbecue, gas or charcoal. The flavor is infinitely better than roasting or broiling. Grills vary so much I think times will vary considerably, but mine take about 6 min on each side, medium-high heat.

That looks similar for sure. Is that something someone would plant on purpose in a garden though? Maybe it was planted to provide shade fro the fruit trees? I did not think citrus trees would need that much shade though.