Gary Oaks

I am fortunate to have a Gary Oak growing on my property. As it was growing near where my rain catchment cisterrn will be going, we dug it up to transplant. It was growing in shale and it was challenging to dig it up. We ended up with three pieces with roots that have been lovuingly planted in pots with rooting compound. We are hopeful that some or all of these will grow. In BC the Gary Oak is considered an endangered species as it grows mainly on private lands which are being developed for urban dwellings. From the BC Government website: Oaks were considered sacred to the god of thunder and carrying an acorn preserved a youthful appearance. Garry oak was named by botanist and explorer David Douglas for Nicholas Garry of the Hudson's Bay Company, who helped him during his travels. In Oregon, where it is quite common, this species is called Oregon white oak. Quercus is the Latin name for "oak." Once these oak saplings get established, we will plant them close to the east fenceline where they will have adequate sun.