Giuseppe:It is hard enough for me to keep it inground here in Zone 6B. I know in your place is much colder,so I will not say that is hardy in your climate without protection,but with good protection it will be fine . Noss I have only a couple extra plants,and I will sell mine on Ebay in November. Another gardener that has it and I know it has better conditions than me to multiply it is Bass Salaam,on top of page. You see George M bought the last tree from Belleclare and to an accident his tree died,so he could not multiply it except a couple from wich I got one. Next Year I could make more plants,but not this year.

Malta Black,yes,it is,the most reliable producing fig here despite very difficult climate. It surpassed any good ones,I had before. I can imagine,it is just as good if not more delicious in warmer dryer climates,trough south and southwest. I did sell some cuttings on Ebay in the past 5 years ,and we should here about how is doing in better climates on the Fig Forums.

YES, Lessa, I was there about 6 years ago - it was one of the most interesting places I have traveled. It has a very varied history from the ruins of ancient Goddess worshiping cultures to Greek and Roman History as well as the origin of the Kights of Malta. It is also a favorite beach destination for the English, although the beaches are narrow and rocky. Because it has a history of British occupation, everyone speaks English as well as Maltese and we found that the people were very friendly to Americans. The food was fantastic - much like the food in Sicily - lots of fish, home made cheeses, wonderful vegetables. There is a small casino, which was kind of sleepy as casinos go, and minimal night life. The whole place is very easy to see in a week and transportation around the island is easy by bus. Be sure to take a day trip to Gozo, another small island off the coast. Well worth the trip!

Mtn, we were first introduced to snorkeling while living in Panama many years ago. It was fabulous. But, as you know, the oceans are dying and snorkeling there, as well as most places, is not what it used to be. We visited Roatan a few months ago and it was fine but we have no desire to return. The best snorkeling we've ever found was here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi9TMZ-Hdpg&t=325s). It reminded us of snorkeling in Panama long ago. We didn't get to the great barrier reef when in Australia but may return and make that a priority. There's a very good chance we'll return to Tahiti just to do the coral garden tour again; it absolutely took my breath away. I hope you'll report back on the Maldives as we'd love to hear from one who has been!