All year I’ve been in a writing mode. Much of the topic has been about being in the right place in the right time, the central theme of Atlas of the Year. Awakening slowly to in increasing sunlight, we noticed that the perfect time, according to the bio-dynamic calendar for transplanting trees was March 3. After days and days of rain and gloom, Saturday arrived full of sun and cool air on the face. It was perfect time to have the first Big Fig Dig, at the perfect place, Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary.

Big Fig Dig -Jim Lally, Greg Orth, Phillip Gilbert and Jennifer Gleason

Big Fig Dig -Jim Lally, Greg Orth, Phillip Gilbert and Jennifer Gleason

The newly refurbished solarium nearby the fig beds offered a warm place for conversation, coffee, banana bread. There was no hurry, everyone had huge smiles savoring the blue day. Neighbor girls set up their first egg stand inside.

Egg Stand in the solarium at the Big Fig Dig

Egg Stand in the solarium at the Big Fig Dig

We had forty four trees for sale ranging from one to three years old. There are only two left. We transplanted some older trees, to add to our family of 15 year old, and a few four and five your old trees so we will have figs, of course!

Jim Lally in the two year old bed.

Jim Lally in the two year old bed.

Jennifer Gleason from Sunflower Sundries near Maysville, acquired many trees for her “Fig Newton Orchard”. She’ll also make her usual wonderful jam from figs. Several trees went to Clear Creek Community near Berea, with Phillip Gilbert and Kathy. Other folks brought their trees to Lexington and some just around the corner. We’re already dreaming of next years Fig Festival, featuring fig delicacies from our Art Farms, to offer along with the trees.

Jennifer Gleason in the solarium

Jennifer Gleason in the solarium

Phillip Gilbert ready to dig

Phillip Gilbert ready to dig

It was such an honor to have Nick Lacy take professional black and white photos. He has a great eye for how to frame a subject. To see his full album “Digging’ It”, check Nick Lacy Photography.

Big Fig Dig -Nick Lacy photographing Phillip Gilbert and Jennifer Gleason

Big Fig Dig – Nick Lacy photographing Phillip Gilbert and Jennifer Gleason

PhillipPhillip Gilbert digging a fig tree, photo by Nick Lacy

Phillip Gilbert digging a fig tree, photo by ©Nick Lacy

Jim Lally in a row of one-year olds, photo by Nick Lacy

Jim Lally in a row of one-year olds, photo by ©Nick Lacy

Phillip Gilbert and Greg Orth digging a fig tree, photo by Nick Lacy

Phillip Gilbert and Greg Orth digging a fig tree, photo by ©Nick Lacy

I’m almost ready to present Atlas of the Year, stay tuned.