In 1969, when I turned 21, I was working for Lucas Lumber in Levittown Pennsylvania, which was a family-owned retail lumber business. They sold hardware and paint and such, but also ran a small millwork shop for a variety of specialties. The millman, Eddie, at the time, cultivated bonsais as a hobby. As I recall he had many beautiful miniature trees in his collection.

Levittown was only 14 years-old and we were one of the few yards that sold Douglas red fir dimensional lumber and in which we took great pride. In that year, Roseburg Forest was distributing live saplings of Douglas fir trees as one of their promotions. Eddie, having taken a few for his would-be bonsais, also made a small planter of epoxy and stone for one of the saplings and presented it to me for my birthday.  

Epoxy Planter

The tree grew in the planter for a while, but it was clear it was going to have to be replanted — but where? On the west coast this tree could grow well over a hundred feet tall. How tall could it get here? It was a gift for my all-important 21st birthday so I didn’t want to give it up. I took a guess at how far away from the house would be appropriate. 53 years later it towers over my small house and a whimsical garden lives beneath its majestic branches. I so love this tree.

Well Eddie, whaddya think?

Alice Deeny