Annette.... Growing fig trees is probably one of the easiest, and most delicious things you could do. Decide whether in ground, or containerized. Decide on location. (Full-sun, and heat, is good) Figs grow/develop on new wood, so prune if you must to control growth. Read postings on this forum about when/where to prune, and pinch new growth. The winter will be your problem. If containerized, and heavy...buy a dolly @ Home Depot and roll the plant(s) around. Read postings on winter storage/dormancy. Buying a twig/small, rooted-cuttings is a waste of time. Get a bearing-age tree, and you'll have fruit this year. Check your local garden centers for good trees. Twigs die out if not grown perfectly, and in the long run, you'll get more bang for the buck by starting off with a larger plant. I grow my 6 foot tall, single-stem trees in large storage tubs (with drainage holes), and all branches are grown at the top of the long bare trunks. I roll the trees around on dollies. This saves the back, and I'm hernia free. If you can store the trees (containerized) in an unheated garage or dark, cool, storage shed you'll probably solve your winter problems. Buy a short-season fig variety. If at a bearing age, and growing vigorously, pinch back new growth to 6 leaves on each branch for earlier ripening of main-crop figs. You'll be chowin' down on figs by September, or earlier! Seriously, this forum is the only place to get good, solid, up-to-date, fig-growing information. If you are going to buy figs through the mail, stay away, no...run away! from Ty-Ty, and Willis Orchards. Why?...search this forum. Also, west-coast nurseries are known for selling fig trees with mosaic virus. I learned the hard way. I personally have grown only one short-season variety called "Atreano"...which makes a very large, golden-yellow fig that's really sweet... if, ripened correctly. Do a search for this excellent, smaller-growing fig variety. It's a good start. Deer might not be a problem, but birds could be! Hope this helps you decide what to do. Read everything about growing figs on this forum, then decide how you will want to grow the tree(s)...then, go shopping. It's fun, and you'll be hooked. We were all normal once. : ) : ) BronxFigs

I always get a bit uncomfortble with questions about recommending businesses. Mostly because I am in the ornamental plant business (over 27 years) and want to say come to my place and I'll sell it to you. However, due to reugulations on the forums, I cant do that. Anyways good luck finding your plants, I adore the bishops weed which you are referencing to. Georgousfloweers that resemble the crown of a bishop and the tipped red edge of the large leaves make for interest after the flowers have past. Be sure and plant this in shade to part shade, I am not sure how the Boston Flower Show showed it.

It would really depend on the person doing the selling if they would be willing to ship something, the basis of craigslist is to be more of a local list so that you can actually meet with and purchase from the individual. I have bought from craigslist and the reason I did was that I got to go over and see the item myself in person and try it out prior to purchase and no shipping charges. Plus I then know the person and where they live and their contact info should I need to contact them after the sale. I really do not know if there is what you are looking for, I have only looked in my area for myself.

Welcome Gilda, and congratulations! From what it sounds like, you are not only a wonderful, loving, grandmom, but also a wonderful mom and mother-in-law. I know how you must feel about having withdrawals. I have two darling grandsons and after I have been around them, I miss them so much after not seeing them for just a few days. Just try to see Luke as often as possible without smothering Ashley and offer to babysit not only to help yourself, but also to allow her to get out some and keep her emotional state as it should be. Good luck to you and Merry Christmas!! Lulie Cosby