Senior Stretch. Ghirardi oak demonstrates.
No Hot Yoga for him.
The attendants were nervous.
They knew he’d have to be treated special: with caution and great care.
After all, he’s a senior – past 100 yrs.
Understandably, he’s a bit stiff.
But stretching, adapting, and being grounded is good for all ages.
And he’d already accomplished a big move – so up for anything now?
They worried he’d wobble.
(He assured them he was planted solid and deep)
Vrksasana? Tree pose? They copied his perfection.
(Yoga image: Judith. London, UK. Flickr, 2007/ Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Salute to the Sun?” Yep. Every morning
(No doubt with humor waving to the sky saying “Still here!”)
He reaches for “Downward dog”
(He notes with a comical shake, that he’s always liked dogs and still welcomes their visits)
Not for him the stuffy yoga studio with safe flat floors covered with mats
(Better to inhale that fresh air outside to recharge the metabolism
Better to rest eyes on forest and field to feel one with nature.)
And the soggy ground from this winter’s gully washers? Drinks it in.
(Best to stay hydrated.
And they say there’s something about wrinkles?
A laugh at that thought. Really, look at him. He’s old.)
Even in the morning spooky fog, out there.
(All the better to greet the shy ones who timidly approach.)
Breath and feel stress drain away
He readily welcomes all who wander over.
Seems willing to whisper stories of “long ago when….”
Been through many storms of life:
Hurricanes, droughts on the farm, recent threats from neighbors.
But many good times, too – with family and those who show up out of no where just when he needs help.
So he stretches in the sun – bows in the wind.
The secret of life is to stay flexible.
Adaptable.
To stay calm in the face of adversity having faith things will work out for the best.
And so far it looks like it has.
Hey – over here. Sit down and chat awhile. Ghirardi Compton Oak not a difficult celeb.
Just a short update on the massive Ghirardi Compton Oak that was moved last year in League City, TX.
It’s looked a bit bedraggled in the rain during January. Some branches are bare.
Checked with the city arborist and those keeping an eye on the old tree.
The experts say it’s setting in well.
Getting plenty of rain water (irrigation system used as needed) and nutritious snacks.
The spring leaves are expected soon.
It’s doing OK according to them.
Honestly, the oak tree looks little rough – not just the bark. (But who doesn’t after the holidays?)
Recently walked over during a warm afternoon to get a good look.
There’s quite of bit of new bright green leaves appearing. (Hard to see in the pictures).
Hoping the canopy fills in this spring.
The Ghirardi oak will be an important piece of a new park there.
League City plan is being modified to be more in line with what the community wants in a park
There’s a bit of controversy.
While many people like the native planting areas, the rain garden, and even the kiosk with the grass-covered roof, most want the park to be fun, too. Some playground equipment and places to picnic. Less a place to teach, lecture, educate the public on ways to conserve water at home while seated in a theater/outdoor classroom amphitheater.
So redesigns are occurring. Here’s the original design for the “Water Smart Park”
A federal money was granted based on the water conservation idea. Most residents are willing to let that money go and create a great space without it.
(Besides many argue, that money might be put to better use by Hurricane Sandy victims. Hurricane Ike came right over here – so this area understands.)
The name sound a bit goofy to me. At least they’ve added “Ghirardi” to it now that the tree has hopped over.
What ever the final design, I hope there’s some wild spaces left near by.
Oh, deer. Even the shy ones are visiting!
There are tons of deer tracks all around the tree area.
And a few big dog paw prints, too.
The Ghirardi Compton Oak likes kids and leashed dogs. Welcomes visits. Brings back memories of when…
He’s still here.
Keeping an eye on the sky.
Staying well grounded.
Knowing things have a way of working out.
Blue skies – nothing but blue skies.
A fine example.
Always good to learn from the elders.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Read the whole story of the traveling Ghirardi Compton Oak:
- “Bored? Sappy story. It’s moving.” (Save the old oak tree! Community vs the road builders)
- “Heat arresting development. Treed” (progress of move)
- “Update: Ghirardi Compton Oak Landed” (Final stage of move and it’s home. Photos)
- “Rooting for Heart” Nov, 2012 update. (The tree is resting, but lonely? Getting used to a new place)
VIDEO. Watch the 100-year-old tree move 1500 feet. Quite a feat.
Not always bad to reflect on where you came from.
Looking down the not-so-long road home.
Discover more from Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
55 Comments
Trackbacks
Comments are closed.
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 
Thanks for the update! Glad he’s holding his own. And I HOPE the park doesn’t transmute into a “recreation area”–we need our open spaces and places to learn, grow, and dream.
LikeLike
And I hope the parking spaces are limited (It sounds like there will be parallel parking not angled parking which means less cars). People can walk, skate, or bike here. The city park planning committee are pretty touchy right now – so it’s hard to get info. Although they may want sports fields, I don’t think there’s room. Most of that big field still belongs to the Ghirardi family – and he’s not selling. The tree is just over the line. Besides there are a bunch of environmentalist in the area who like natural areas
It’s so nice to just go over and sit there. Big skies and clouds are good…and kids need to experience those wild places, too.
Thanks for climbing over
LikeLike
So glad to hear the old boy is hanging in there. I really expected the worst, and will be keeping my fingers crossed for at least another year or so. I hope they leave that space natural and open. I hate playground equipment and the seeming compulsion to fill every open space with manmade something-or-other. Let the kids learn to play with nature and use their imaginations.
LikeLike
Honesty the tree looked pretty rough a few weeks ago – but it is January and it’s rained constantly – which is great for the roots (and that’s where the growth energy is going right now I suspect.) Cheered to see the bright new green leaves. A contract has been given for the park – it is bothersome that the city is reluctant to reveal plans. But there are lots of people keeping an eye on this. And as you say – we need wild spaces – yards are great for sprinklers and play equipment (and no maintenance costs for city that way…really have to question those fountain and splash areas in parks when we have water rationing…what is that teaching kids? Besides we have 2 of those (free) types of splash parks within 10 minutes drive). THanks for branching out to visit!
LikeLike
So glad to hear he’s doing well. Beautiful day today for a park and a visit to see an old friend.
LikeLike
A few warm sunny days seem to be just what the oak needed to spring out some new leaves. Thanks for climbing over to chat
LikeLike
Fingers crossed that the tree continues to do well. And that the park will take a form that maintains its “greenness,” even if also used for other purposes.
LikeLike
Every month the tree manages, the more encouraged I get. An amazing feat. (And you know how you were talking about your characters being demanding? This was supposed to be Wed. post, but RC just invaded my sleep and nagged and nagged and said her’s had a Super Bowl connection(a tiny one…I feel she stuck that in for leverage) so was time sensitive – and the tree was board..she was so annoying I gave in…sounds weird, but those fighting characters…I’d like to sleep without them invading my dreams sometimes…)
Thanks for parking and playing along
LikeLike
Sometimes we just have to give in and let them have their way, I think. 😉 And I get the definite impression RC would not take kindly to you ignoring her!
LikeLike
I tell you those 2 posts -and another – fought all night long.
LikeLike
Phil,
Good to see the tree mentioned in another if your blogposts, I enjoy your writing style.
Erik Hess of Hess Landacape Construction posted an update in the Facebook group about new root growth and the emergence of new buds within the branches.
He is awaiting detail soil and tissue sample analysis and will post more detailed information when it becomes available.
Thank you so much for helping to keep speeding the word of this story in the same way the tree’s branches stretch to cover as much area as possible.
That there were (and still are) some within city council who were opposed to this as a “waste of time/money” I continue to find humor in.
The story is still spreading and the city is constantly receiving so much positive publicity for this that would have cost them 5 times as much and not been as effective.
Those type of people have metal and gears in their heads as can’t seem to summon any appreciation for that which grows. All I can think is that must be a cold and lonely world view and it’s no wonder the mean spiritedness continues.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by. City arborist emailed that Erik Hess is waiting on test results (Don’t have time for Facebook) – Those guys were quite dedicated to getting that tree and relocated – especially once they saw how much it meant to the community. I know they are determined to do their best with the oak – and we appreciate their efforts. We’ve been really lucky with the rain and weather.I’ve been watching for that bright green new growth.
One thing that saddens me is that one of the city council members that fought for the tree was voted out in the last election. She was there during the move out of concern – not just for a photo opp like certain others. This is a small town that is exploding in population – always conflicts in what is important…foolish not to save what natural resources in the city borders. The city will gain more by encouraging more natural areas/ recreational bike and hike trails and water features like that little abandoned “cooling canal that could be a real star of wetlands and nature. People are looking for relaxing, beautiful natural spots when deciding where to buy, build, or move a business: quality of life.
This oak has history in the community – like you say such an opportunity for publicizing the city and what makes it a good place to live. Hopefully they will have a celebration on the moving day anniversary – I have suggested they make/sell t-shirts to raise money for the tree and park. The TV stations would be all over a celebration of the tree. Hopefully the city will see potential.
Thanks for the kind words – and really glad you stopped by to chat.
LikeLike
I daresay, that is a nice buck hoof print you have there! It’s a big one by the looks of it… the hoof print shows two nice, deep, toes spread, indicating a heavy specimen. The dew claws made a deep print as well, and often those are not so noticeable. I’m impressed! Did you take this photo?
LikeLike
I was really excited over all the tracks – that’s an iPhone photo. It was one of the biggest prints and turned out the nicest.
As a kid we used to track animals around the farm – but not during deer season! Our property was posted, but some people have no respect and will shoot into property and drag out their animals. My dad had a few words over a neighbor’s deer blind by the fence directly in line of sight of the water tank. There were cattle in there, too, people…and us.
Thanks for trotting over!
LikeLike
Would you like to know how much you rock?
Check out my blog today for a clue…
LikeLike
Phil,
Glad to see that you are still keeping tabs on the tree, as are lots of people.
A quick google search for the past 7 days shows the video still being linked on several Facebook pages over that time period, it shows up in discussion boards and blogs fairly regularly considering the story is 6 months old.
League City has received so much positive publicity from this that a comparable professional ad campaign would have taken several million to accomplish and less effectively.
The fact that there is wrangling over the concept and execution of the park falls right in line with the struggle to save the tree.
Varying groups with differing visions contending over an idea.
I hope to see a place where children and adults get to enjoy a bit of nature.
There is another tree just a few yards away from the big old Compton that s a live oak and (according to my dad) older than the Ghirardi Oak.
It has the colorful monicker of “The Moonshine Tree,” which is related in that it grew outside a shack the my grandfather, great uncle, Link Sarracco, and the senior Arofolo would distil moonshine.
This was “my tree” growing up as I used to spend hours climbin picnicking orrelaxing, in it. It holds a special place in my heart and I m happy to see that others will get to enjoy it as well once the new park (whatever form it takes) is constructed.
Many thanks,
Michael Ghirardi
LikeLike
So glad you’re stopping by. Got a laugh about the moonshine shack – there was one down a path in the woods near our farm…we were told never to go down there as there were usually a bunch of me sitting around drinking.
I’m going to have to go by and look for your live oak tree. If it’s on city land, it will be important to label it and make sure it doesn’t get removed during the park construction. Maybe a small plaque with its’ story? Who wouldn’t find that interesting. (Seems like a TV news story to me…”here’s the oak that moved doing well and over here’s another tree with a story….” Great human interest/ area history…TV news is a tree’s best friend?)
I know some contract was let about the park, but there’s not much info – and the people do not want to talk about it. Kids need some natural/wild spaces to explore. That will become even more valuable as the city grows and time goes by.(Look at the Woodlands, the City of Houston,Villages and Spring Branch, Kingwood – all new desirable new neighborhoods have nature trails and areas) There’s plenty of open land by the schools for sports. PArents can put sprinklers and play equipment in their own yards. The remaining deer need a spot, too.
Thanks for stopping by – always enjoy your stories – if you hear anything let me know.
LikeLike
My dad says there are still jugs (je has one he dug up years agai)buried out there…know anyone with ground penetrating radar?
The Moonshine Tree has been designated as the anchor tree of the park, and now that young man oak (it’s parent species both live to well beyond 700 years…you may know of the “Big Tree” down south that’s estimated to be over 1100 years old) is there as a neighbor, the park has two trees rich with League City history within its bounds.
My personal preference would be to merely clear the scrub out and leave the area as natural as possible perhaps installing some decked walk way and such because it does become quite swampy when it rains.
It is on land owned by the city, as is the parcel donated by my father, for which he fought just as hard as those of us who fought for the Compton Oak though with a lot less public furor.
That plot (where the moonshine tree is) was due to be clear cut for more housing spots, so my dad along with a few others made themselves thorns in the side of city council until they, and the developer, relented.
And you’re quite right, my dad will not sell. He grew up in the house next door to his, he built his house next to his widowed mother (my grandfather was one of the volunteer fire fighters the day the SS Grandcamp exploded), so he could help take care of her and his sister (who had a psychotic break when she found out that their dad had been killed in the explosion), he’s not going anywhere.
LikeLike
Whew – worried when I wasn’t sure if the city knew/cared about the Moonshine tree. I agree with your concept of the park, it would be very cool and kids would discover lots to do there. Unplug and de-stress. Even Bellaire in town has a little nature center.
People did used to bury things and forget where they were – maybe we should keep an eye out if they start digging – something might turn up (maybe I’ll ask an archeologist blogger I know if she has any suggestions)
I vaguely remember a struggle over the park plot. So glad your dad and other persisted. Real treasures can be lost so quickly because no one’s left to tell the history. From what I heard your dad is definitely going to keep an eye on things. Glad someone with determination is around there! thanks for sharing the stories…wouldn’t it be nice to have a storytellers’ event under the trees as celebration? Hmmmm…
LikeLike
They can move a tree that large? Who knew! Your post puts me in mind of the book “The Giving Tree.” I love the vision of the old oak doing yoga.
LikeLike
I know that book! Moving that tree was amazing to watch – everyone was so nervous (and they had to go get additional equipment as it was bigger than they thought). So glad when it finally slid into that hole and sat down. Whew! It’s a great tree. Thanks for swinging by to chat
LikeLike
I need to go back and watch the link for a video of the tree moving.
About “The Giving Tree” . . . It troubled me that that boy took advantage of the tree and never gave anything back.
LikeLike
My mom loved that book that was so popular, but, like you, I felt the kid was selfish/thoughtless….reminds me of many in society today. You’ll like the video – being there watching the darn thing slide along…and everything was so big. Treeeemendous experience.
LikeLike
I don’t know why, but that brought a tear to my eye!
LikeLike
So glad for the update on the tree. Looks good so far.
LikeLike
Keeping fingers crossed. Know they are pushing for root growth at this time, but would be nice to see leaves, too. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
WOW!!!!!! That’s spectacular!!!! Hooray for settling in…trees are amazing.
I hope it continues to do well.
And that there will be wild places. I think we need them.
🙂
LikeLike
Another nice day – with rain coming in just in time for tree refreshment. There’s a hope that the park will consist of clearing underbrush and installing a raised wooden deck-type walk way. (clearing necessary for snakes and when it rains, it does get swampy because it’s so flat around here) that would be just about right. There’s another live oak tree in the brush that one of the Ghirardi family says is even older than the moved oak. It would be great for kids to have a natural area to explore – and a place to star gaze at night. Can’t wait to see what develops. Thanks for rooting around over here
LikeLike
There is, in fact, a grove of oaks, all of which are offspring of the Moonshine trees in the spot the park is designated to be.
I’ve got some photos with the Moonshine Tree in the background and it is clearly alone in what was once prairie.
There are a good amount of scrub trees and such there now , but there are a larger number of live oaks in that spot. All of which have grown and matured in my lifetime.
If you do happen to make a trip over there keep that in mind.
This spot could serve the residents well for many, many generations to come.
I like your thinking of a “Moving Day” celebration with proceeds to go toward park and tree maintenance.
That is the kind of thing tv news crews would be all over, I think you are right about that. And I’ve got a couple of ins with the GDN, that never hurts.
LikeLike
Will check out the other tree(s) next time over. Great you have that picture (TV news should like that) I love to watch land change over time. My dad always said you don’t really own the land – it was here before you and will be here after you – but while you are there, you must be a good stewart of it.
Will let them mull over the celebration idea…and will mention it to them again
One thing I would like to see is a “Night Sky” event with the stars – and maybe some stories. Kids need to appreciate that we can see so many stars here and take time to look /think about them..could get a NASA tie-in? (Of course your dad would have to approve of people in the field one night)
There’s so many ways League City could utilize the park and tree for publicity – give people a reason to relocate here.
One step at a time..hard to turn a moving object. THanks for the info and stay in touch, OK?
LikeLike
I’m glad the oak seems to be settling in okay. How exciting to see new growth coming in. It seems the nearby wildlife appreciates the tree’s beauty, too.
LikeLike
We’re having spring weather between rainy cold fronts – looks like all are making tracks outside while the sun is out. Thanks for hiking over
LikeLike
Thanks for the update! Glad to see the oak is settling in. 🙂 Yoga poses–I remember realizing how little balance I possess as I tipped into the wall, a chair, or a table.
LikeLike
It seems like it’s getting harder and harder to keep from crashing in those poses as the years go by….maybe more of those low elevation mat ones? Thanks for swinging by to check on the tree
LikeLike
We’re all rooting for the tree – pun intended! Thanks for the update.
LikeLike
Glad you had time to leaf a comment!
LikeLike
Thanks for the update, I got what I was looking for “new bright green leaves” and bonus deer tracks as well 🙂
LikeLike
It was a good day. Trees looking better – and deer tracks. Left with a smile. Thanks for hiking over
LikeLike
Really enjoyed all the updates. I think I saw something new on the LC website tonight – but don’t take that as gospel. Maybe I was reading the update from the last council meeting. I admit I’ve kind of lost a grip on the details of things going forward. I was thinking of the tree just today, glad for this perfect rain. And we’re supposed to get more this weekend – the more, the better. Keep it cool and wet as long as we can!
LikeLike
Several people have apparently been nagging to have tree updates on the city website…they are a little touchy down there – certainly don’t want to talk about the park plans. (The city arboristista says the tree company might have info on it’s Facebook page, but they were silent when I asked what about the people who don’t do Facebook. But at least she has been forwarding some information. Reminds me I need to check on those big trees at the old cemetery…). Yeah, I hate rainy winters like this one – but this time will manage since it’s the best for the tree! Thanks for leafing a note ( sorry so long in responding – trying to get rid of this cold)
LikeLike
I happened to know about the massive Ghirardi Oak while doing a research on descendants of Geminiano Burgoni who arrived in Texas from North of Italy in the 20s. YouTube makes possible to see the amazing moving process even if I am in Florence and this is something that makes me feel happy to live. The League City residents must be proud of what they had and succeeded in doing for their future environment.
Great!
LikeLike
So glad to have you stopped by. Here’s Michael Ghirardi’s email. His dad still lives near that tree (you can read some of his of his comments about the tree and area by scrolling around the comment section.) He knows a lot about the area’s history and might be good resource for you?
my_mickey_69@yahoo.com
Many Italian families arrived in Galveston. One of the museums on the Strand, the Texas Seaport Museum, there had quite a bit of information and a data base.
http://www.galvestonhistory.org/Texas_Seaport_Museum.asp.
Moving that tree was such an event. Simply amazing. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Someday I’ll make it to Florence! Thanks again for stopping by to chat.
LikeLike
Amazing! I was just browsing and all of a sudden I decided to look if somebody answered my mail! You did..thanks so much for the M. Ghirardi e mail.
All my sincerest best wishes, and just let me know if you have the chance of coming to Florence, Giliola
LikeLike
So glad you stopped back in to visit! (and actually I’m watching a PBS special on traveling in Italy now..someday!)
LikeLike
Now this is cool, I believe the Burgoni you mention was my Grandmother’s father as her maiden name was Burgoni and in doig some research of my own, I do believe I came across the name of Geminiano as my grandmother’s father.
I’m assuming you’re related and if so you and I would be distant cousins.
The wonders of modern technology!
I went by my folks place yesterday, by the way, and the old oak is sporting a spectacular crown of bright green spring foliage!
LikeLike
I just sent an e mail to Michael, are you Michael?
Yes if you are really a descendent of Dora I have plenty of things to let you know!
Thanks,
LikeLike
Sounds like time for y’all to plan a party…skype? or webcam? Very cool
LikeLike
Curious if you receive this message.
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
You are much better at little keyboards than I am!
LikeLike
I am indeed Michael and Clarence is my dad.
I always wondered where the Adolph came from and now I know.
I will answer your email when I get the chance.
LikeLike
Very cool – both the family history and the tree – (tree pollen is so bad I haven’t been over to check – thanks for the encouraging update!)
LikeLike
Was tryin to send you some pics I took Sunday when I went to visit dad and tree, and somewhere on this stupid thing (iPhone nickname), I’ve got pictures of the photos my parents have with the Moonshine Tree in the background I’d like to send you as well.
LikeLike
I’ll send an alternative email that might work better.
You are so kind to share the photos – plan to post a tree update in the next few weeks – was hoping for some rain to clear the air. Some recent flower/landscape pix look good – but you can definitely see a layer of green dust with the blooms. Must be spring.
That’s really exciting about the Italy connection. Thanks for staying in touch
LikeLike