Thought to be the sweetest fruit, the fig is also one of the oldest fruits known. And on Greenmansion Cove in Mathews there is a gentleman, “The Fig Man,” who is making sure the plants that produce these tasty morsels will continue for generations to come.

Morgan Wells has been involved with figs and fig culture for 20 years. From cuttings from older fig bushes, Morgan sells potted fig plants, potting as many as 500 at a time. “But before I sell a plant,” he emphasizes, “they must listen to my one-minute talk before they can make a purchase. Select your spot then dig your hole. In the bottom of the hole place 3 or 4 oyster shells, more if you like. Then take some grass cuttings, wet, and pack in hole tightly, I call this green gold. Put in your fig bush and fill hole with potting soil and water. Then go around the outer edge of the plant, make a few slanted cuts and place in an oyster shell, maybe about three. Cover the shells and pack down the dirt.&rdqu...