On August 1, 2026, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Jocelyn and Tyler, the owners of Colden Springs Farm in Walden, New York, for a two-hour gardening event at their beautiful farm. The weather couldn’t have been better, it was one of those picture-perfect summer days that made being outdoors an absolute joy.
Before I say anything else, I want to thank Jocelyn and Tyler, the unsung heroes behind the event, for their incredible hospitality. From the moment I arrived, they made sure everything was taken care of. Their warmth, generosity, and attention to detail helped create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who attended. Everything came together seamlessly, and I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with them.
The highlight of the event was a live demonstration on up-potting fig trees. I had brought two trees with me for this: one that represented the typical fig tree most people would expect to see, and another that had developed a noticeably lopsided shape. Rather than viewing the second tree as imperfect, I saw it as a perfect teaching tool, an opportunity to discuss how to work with real plants instead of textbook examples.
Years ago, when I had a “regular” job, I learned an important lesson: never give a live demonstration if you can avoid it. There are simply too many variables, and Murphy’s Law always seems eager to make an appearance. Tools fail, plants refuse to cooperate, and the unexpected has a way of showing up at exactly the wrong moment.
This demonstration, however, couldn’t be prerecorded or rehearsed. It had to be done live, in front of the audience, just as it would happen in a backyard or garden. Fortunately, everything went according to plan. The trees cooperated, the demonstration unfolded exactly as I had hoped, and the audience was able to see firsthand not only how to up-pot a fig tree, but also the reasoning behind each step.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic, you’ll find many videos on my YouTube channel that cover it in greater detail. While you’re there, I invite you to subscribe so you’ll be notified whenever I publish new videos on fig growing, gardening techniques, and other helpful tips.
Again, many thanks to Jocelyn for sharing these pictures with me.
I’m planning to host another live demonstration in early November, where I’ll cover two of the most important topics for fig growers: pruning and winterizing fig trees. Whether you’re new to growing figs or have years of experience, the session will include practical techniques and tips to help your trees stay healthy through the winter and produce an even better harvest next season. I hope you’ll be able to join us!
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Stay tuned, keep on rootin’ and happy growing!
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