This past week we have been in the presence of giants. Almost ageless giants. At the least, very aged giants. Very old giants.
And giants they are. All nearing thirty feet in circumference. All more than fifty feet tall. All over eight feet in diameter.
They are live-oak trees in South Carolina. The Middleton Oak that has been noted in family histories for being a “significant tree” for over four hundred years.
Some historical works list it as a landmark going back over six-centuries; other speculate nine.
The Magnolia Oak, again referenced in family histories for over three centuries. Again, a “large tribute that must be included in the gardens.”
Gardens designed almost three-hundred years ago in 1741.
