I suppose you could say I had a romantic childhood, growing up in Adelaide Australia. I came from a good home with good parents. Well taken care of, even though we did not have a lot of money growing up.

Plenty of time to be a boy, play, day dream and be a kid. I remember my sister and I used to grab our banana bikes and ride down to the local park. It was a huge open space with lots of large trees, however the real attraction was the usually dry creek bed. We would turn over river stones looking for fresh water yabbies (local crustacean much like a shrimp). We would practically leave no stone unturned looking for this elusive creature.

The hot Aussie summer would beat down on us and inevitably we were drawn to the shade provided by all the large shade trees. Most of the park was filled with large white gum eucalyptus trees mixed with stands of Boxelder.

One tree in particular had a mystical romantic power and I was always drawn to it. This tree was different from the others. It stood out, towering over the boxelders. It had rough light gray bark, deeply lobed leaves its shape unusual, gnarled and twisted branches reached toward the ground its broad crown so impressive my sister and I seemed dwarfed. We used to often lay under this magnificent giant, sipping the cool shade it provided and dreamed stories underneath it.

The tree was an American oak White oak (Quercus alba) to be exact. Back then I had no idea what kind of tree it was. It didn't matter then what it was. It was so different from the average Australian landscape that I never forgot that tree.

Memories are powerful things. Even today, every time I see an impressive oak tree or any specimen tree for that matter I think back to those carefree days, and in particular, that tree.

Oak trees today stand quite sentinels. Their raw strength and beauty overcoming our harsh climate. Even in quite dormancy on the coldest of days their large frames add winter interest which can be hard to do.

In summer they provide cooling shade, save energy and provide habitat and food to many species of critters from ants to deer, turkey to chickadee. They are an important source of income for many, particularly in the lumber industry.

For me, they add even more. They represent mother natures success. They are and important piece of fabric for our urban environment. They cleanse our air, improve our soils and water supply and at a very intimate level, add frame work to my landscape give my family peace, tranquility and most importantly keep my dreams and loved ones from childhood close.

There are many wonderful oak varieties to choose from. Look for burr, pin, red, swamp and white oaks at your local garden center. The only question left is which oak will you plant to build your happy memories on?