Who is Garry, anyway?

We are asked occasionally who Garry is. We even receive mail addressed to Mr. Oaks!

Garry oaks, Quercus Garryana, also known as Oregon White Oak, is a species of oak unique to the Pacific Northwest region of North America including Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. These hardwood trees date from before the ice ages, and are found on steep south- and west-facing sites with rapidly drained soil, in areas with a Mediterranean-type climate (sites that, coincidentally, also favour vineyards!).

The "Garry" refers to Nicholas Garry, deputy governor of the Hudson's Bay Company when the company was active in the Pacific Northwest during the early nineteenth century.

Garry oak ecosystems are rare in British Columbia and the focus of conservation efforts. In Oregon, which has larger reserves of Garry oaks, wood from these trees is used by craft cooperage house to produce a small quantity of wine barrels. These barrels exhibit flavour characteristics considered to be closer to those made of French oak than those made of other American oaks.

Photo courtesy of Howard Fry