By:Evan Panagiotopoulos, a.k.a The Fig Tree Guy
Fig trees are more than just a fruiting plant—they’re a living connection to history, flavor, and abundance. With their bold, sculptural leaves and sweet, homegrown fruit, figs offer both beauty and productivity in a way few trees can match. Once established, they’re surprisingly resilient, forgiving of imperfect conditions, and capable of rewarding even the casual gardener with generous harvests.
And yes, figs and fig trees are referenced frequently throughout the Bible, both literally and symbolically. They appear in some of the earliest passages and carry rich spiritual and cultural meaning. In Genesis 3:7, for instance, Adam and Eve use fig leaves to cover themselves after eating from the Tree of Knowledge, making figs one of the first plants mentioned in Scripture.
George Washington frequently referenced sitting “under his own vine and fig tree,” a biblical metaphor from Micah 4:4 symbolizing peace, security, religious freedom, and retirement from public life. He often used this phrase when referring to his beloved home, Mount Vernon, as a place of tranquility, self-sufficiency, and independence.
Whether grown in the ground or tucked into a container, fig trees adapt well to a variety of spaces and climates, making them accessible to gardeners far beyond traditionally warm regions. They require minimal maintenance, respond well to pruning, and can be easily shared through cuttings, spreading not just trees, but knowledge and community.
From fresh eating and preserves to dried figs and baked goods, the versatility of the harvest alone makes them worth growing. Add in their ornamental appeal and the satisfaction of cultivating a tree that can thrive for decades, and it’s easy to see why fig trees truly deserve a place in every garden.
Can you grow a fig tree in Orange County? Oh yes, absolutely. While care differs from warmer regions like South Carolina or California, fig trees have been grown successfully right here in Orange County.
The Recreation and Parks Department of the Village of Walden and The Fig Tree Guy are hosting the first biannual Fig Tree Learning Exchange on May 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Anita L. Vandermark Community Center, Community Room, 97 Sherman Ave., Walden, NY 12586. During this event, participants will have the opportunity to exchange fig tree cuttings or potted fig trees, share tips, stories, and real-world growing experiences, or simply mingle. Connect with a community of people who are just as passionate about fig trees as you are. The Fig Tree Guy will also give a short, informative presentation covering fig tree care, including the benefits and drawbacks of growing figs in pots versus in the ground—helping you decide what works best for your growing style and space.
Read more at www.thefigtreeguy.com.