I guess the big question would be how well it drains (you could dig a hole in your soil and fill it with water and see how long it takes to drain). Drainage is probably the most important thing when it comes to growing trees, although unless you are growing in a swamp, I doubt you have many issues (at least with apples). Look at trees on M26 or Bud 9 rootstock (both dwarf). Like I said, I'd probably stake them, at least for a few years. If the tree isn't labeled, then it may be tough to find out what it is growing on.

Yes, any one can grow figs in ground in a zone 5, in the north. We have been able to grow them. We have been growing and testing for figs that can be grown in our zone 5b/6a location, for around ten years. We have in test plots or pots around 26 different figs, that are suppose to be cold hardy and or rare. After ten years of testing we found 3 figs that do very well in our zone 5b/6a Connecticut location, grown outside, in ground. In order to grow figs in a cold climate, you need more then just a fig that is cold hardy. You also need a fig that is rain resistant, when the fig is ripening. If not you will end up with all the ripening fruit exploding, just before they are ready to be picked A fig that is late winter/early spring, sun resistant. Your cold hardy fig might make it through the winter, only to be killed by late winter sun. A fig that will ripen early enough to beat your first frost. If it does not, you will end up with a lot of green figs, that never ripen. A fig that produces more then just a hand full of figs. That is if you want enough figs for fresh eating, fig wine, preserves, and so many you can share with your friends. A fig that is FMV resistant. Or at least a fig that can over come the disease if and when it is infected. If not the fig will never be cold hardy. A fig that can produce sweet figs even in cold northern soils. I can send to any one who request it, a list of northern climate, cold hardy figs we are testing, and the results of our testing. Along with the names of the only three figs that we recommend for main crop figs, for northern gardeners. We are still working on the best breba crop figs for the north. We have several that are showing a lot of promise. These three main crop figs, make growing figs in ground easy, and enjoyable in cold climates. We feel these three figs are more cold hardy then Hardy Chicago. If interested, send request for list to robertcharper@gmail.com Bob Harper zone 5b/6a - Conneticut

I’m a (very) latecomer to this conversation, however however, I stumbled across a lone specimen at a local garden centre 15 or so yrs ago. I had no idea what sort of tree it was or it’s growing requirements, (I was drawn to it on account of it’s heavenly fragrance - literally followed my nose to the thing:). Anyway, in our profound ignorance, we planted it at my mum’s house under a very large/old sugar maple (in Ancaster, Ontario) and the tree continues to thrive in that spot to this day:). I’ve been looking for a specimen for my own garden for years now without success. Does anyone know where I might locate one (Styrax Obassia/Large Leafed Japanese Snowbell specifically) in Ontario? if not, can you pls let me know the best tome to harvest the seeds so i can try to grow one for myself? Many thanks, Lisa O, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada.

Hi liz. I'm in jersey as well-(Bergen county). Glad to see you saw a monarch-I have not seen any:( we had always done a mini trip to south jersey(sea isle/cape may) at the end of each summer. I recall walking into the arcades on the boardwalk with the kids and there would be tons of monarchs flying through. They would land on the games the kids were playing, or even on the kids themselves. what a beautiful sight. sadly, the last few times we went I did not see any. makes me think how we take things for granted. it seems like by me i'm one of very few who gardens. i guess people don't have time or interest anymore so i can certainly see how the monarchs are running out of host plants. the fact that you saw one by by you makes me hopeful though. I'm going to try to do my part by me & plant away. (sometimes I feel like sneaking on to neighbors yards at night and popping a few plants in!) linda