I received an email from the Coordinator of Garden Programs at Williamsburg, VA., and this is the info contained therein: the figs in the Williamsburg Historic District are probably either Celeste or Brown Turkey except for a Marseilles which is espaliered against the wall at the fruit garden of the Governor's Palace. The following gardens contain some very nice fig tree specimens: Bryan House, George Wythe, James Geddy, Benjamin Powell, and Elizabeth Carlos. The above is a paraphrase of the info sent Apparently, because the two varieties are so similar, the garden people there don't make any distinction between them. From everything I have heard or read I would have guessed that they might possibly have some Brunswick figs (Magnolia), but that is purely a guess. I am NOT any kind of expert on the id of fig varieties, but will be in Williamsburg in two weeks, and will see if I can get any more info.

I know that more than likely the trees have already dropped their acorns a week or 2 ago, But,m I am hoping someone has got a couple extra acorns from the Compton';s oak in Williamsburg, Va. My source (Mossy oak natives) is out of stock. I just may not be able to get any until my tree from Mossy oak natives bears it's own acorns, likely in a couple or few years. But, if anyone has gotten any acorns from the Compton's oak, I may be interested.

I love pics of historic homes, and this kitchen does not disappoint! The pantry with the German silver sink has been posted here before, but I don't recall seeing the kitchen. Thank you for posting, and I hope you enjoyed your trip.

Well, NWalton, I have several of these Compton's oaks, and 1 have 1 that's been in ground for at least 3 years and it is still green on the leaves that haven't been shed, but most have been shed, and I have a potted one with red/orange leaves, and another with a green and yellow color to the leaves, so I'm thinking that the soil PH or something about the soil is the reason, OR the temperatures or moisture level of the soil is the reason for the different foliage colors. I have 2 Pin oaks, and 1 usually keeps very nice deep Burgundy color for several months, the other may keep that Burgundy (which isn't so bright) only a month or 2. But my usually long showing vivid Burgundy color Pin oak is now a brownish red, mostly brown really now. So maybe it's temperature, or moisture, I've done nothing to change the PH under either Pin oak. My soil is usually a Neutral 6 or 6.5, my Pin oaks have grown fine. But, anyway, the potted Comptons is likley in a slightlty acidic potting medium and has the Orangish red leaves. But, the Comptons oak is considered as a late deciduous tree, so it just may keep green leaves up until it's really cold and the tree drops the leaves. I know this isn't a simple and short answer, but, I thought the fact that I have 2 seedlings that have yellow, and orangish/ red color should be mentioned, but, the tree in Williamsburgh, Va ( a champion specimen) was green as could be in October in zone 7. But, just expect no super great fall color from them, but, if your PH is acidic, you may get fall color. But, I should add that if you love nice big oaks, you'll LOVE the Compton oak. I hope you are not too elderly or you may just have to leave it for the kids or grandkids, it does grow at least 2-3 foot a year, maybe more if in a good spot. It will get as wide as a Live oak (Quercus Virginiana) which it shares half of it's genes with. The mature 1 at Williamsburgh, Va is quite impressive, I wish I could make mine grow faster to be just like the 1 at Williamsburgh, Va. I do know that if you provide extra water in the growing season (unless you are getting lottsa rain) the tree will grow much more vigorously. So if you would love a shade tree that gets nice thick branches growing horizontally, and has a huge area under the tree in shade, definitely get a Compton's oak, in zone 6 you MAY get some fall color, but, if you have the room, the Comptons oak is only #2 to a LIve oak, which in zone 6 isn't an option unless you get the smaller and slower growing Quercus Fusiformis, and I've only had success with the Quartz mountain Live oak, and it tops out at 6 inches to 12 inches growth a year, so very slllllooooow grower. I actually have a potted (the redish/orange colored 1) and I need to find it a place to plant, so if you want it I can send it to ya. My yard is packed with many oaks. I just hope you aren't too far from me in Pa to send it, if you have your own source that's fine. Later.