WHEN future generations ask “who planted that giant tree?” they’ll have two villagers to thank.
George and Mary Stastny, from Whorlton, have gifted the village’s cemetery a new giant redwood – sourced on a trip to California, USA, six years ago.
The couple brought back dozens of seeds from a grove of sequoias but just one germinated in their garden.
Mrs Stastny, a garden designer, lined up the tree for the new cemetery extension which will accompany a renovated play area at the rear of Whorlton Village Hall.
Mrs Stastny said: “The reason we’re putting it here is to try to have some visual link between the current graveyard and this new bit so it doesn’t look too bare and there is some connection.”
If it beds in properly, villagers can expect the tree to grow to up to 150 feet tall in 300 years’ time.
Some specimens can live for more than 600 years but those alive now can expect to see the sapling shoot up at a rate of a foot a year.
“I’ve been telling all the older ladies to stick around,” added Mrs Stastny.
