Pure copper as it is found in copper piping is not toxic to plants. The various oxides,sulfates, sulfides and hydroxides are toxic to plants and in sufficient quantities can inhibit root growth. There are actually commercial nursery containers with copper hydroxide in the lining to inhibit plant roots from bonding with the container for easier un-potting to prevent root damamge. The copper oxides that will form when the copper is exposed to the elements are stable an will usually have no effect on your plants. If it were that toxic, everyone who has a copper water main running under their grass would have a dead brown strip running with it. The organic materials in the soil tie-up any free copper and make it difficult for the plant to absorb. The more compost the safer your plants. If you are still concerned, after you complete your trellis, you can apply a compound to get the patina then seal the trellis with polyurethane. But in general unless the plant is very sensitive it should be fine.

You could just ask whatever you need to ask here. There really are only two fig forums with a large member base. This and the one mentioned by Bob. I think the other forum has more members but most of them are also members here. The thing is there are only a few things that can be done to grow figs in northern climates. They involve covering or burying in the winter. Or potting and moving inside in winter. Or using a greenhouse. There are a million and one ways to do each and there is no perfect or best way. Just personal preference. I personally would prefer growing in large pots with one of ALâÂÂs Mixes and then moving them indoors for the winter. But I have a large adult son and a heavy duty hand truck to move them. If someone has a bad back and no large son or large friend a greenhouse is better. If you can afford it. Lots of people bury their trees or wrap/cover them with good results. All of the subjects have been covered in this forum many many times. No real need to go anywhere else. No way would I be buying that book.

It is a true story. The original title is Au nom de tous les miens. The sites that claim it is fiction are usually "historical revisionists" ie Holocaust deniers. Here is a link that might be useful: Martin Gray's official website

There are SO many wonderful daylily farms out there - one reason I personally would not buy from QVC is that I would not be completely sure I was getting the named variety I was promised. Another reason is that all these wonderful farms depend on continued business to stay open, like rose people discourage buying from "big box" stores in favor of rose nurseries, to help them stay in business. I have ordered from quite a few rose and daylily nurseries this year [more than I should!]. If there is a particular daylily you want, google it - you will find a list of farms that carry it. Also, I really enjoy The Lily Auction online. LOTS of great daylilies and great prices! I have bought very expensive lilies for a fraction of their cost, and they sell seeds so you can raise your own. I have known Jack Carpenter for years { I cherish his huge diploids, no one else breeds those like he did]. Mark is a worthy heir - SUCH a nice friendly guy and will go overboard to earn your business. He is putting in a nursery that carries other kinds of plants, opening March 2. Well worth the trip! He digs huge fans, super healthy plants and gives daylily gifts with purchase. Other farms do this too....something QVC doesn't do. I have found so many great daylily farms just by googling a particular lily. Just ordered from Tom Kearst Gardens for some particular lilies I wanted......