The crabapple tree is somewhat of a horticultural paradox. Its’ assets are numerous: lush flowers that overlap with early foliage, spectacular fruit, and great fall color. The bare, gnarly branches of older crabapple trees are a staple of the winter landscape. Unfortunately, these attributes are often over shadowed by the numerous pests and diseases that can plague the tree. Scab, fire blight, and cedar apple rust are the biggest threats. However, if an appropriate cultivar is chosen the crabapple has a good shot at becoming your favorite tree.

In 1931, The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University wrote "But the act of bringing these species together or in close proximity has allowed nature to develop an intermixture without the help or interference of man. While some are already known, we are yet on the threshold of these foreign and native mixtures and a century hence there is certain to have developed races of trees of horticultural interest very different from those we know at the present day." American Crabapples (harvard.edu)

This statement refers to the natural hybridization of the genus Malus (crabapple). Ninety years later with the help of man, there are an estimated 600 cultivated varieties of the crabapple tree (Dirr, 2009). It has been bred for flower (size, color, scent), foliage (color, shape), fruit (taste, color, size, and shape), and most importantly resistance to the diseases mentioned earlier. Every cultivar of this tree possesses its own unique combination of traits. Preliminary research is of the utmost importance when choosing an appropriate cultivar. J. Frank Schmidt, premier crabapple tree breeders, published this chart, which I use as a reference.

I love the crabapple tree for its variety of sizes and habits. It is normally a small to medium size tree, which makes it the perfect tree to tuck between conifers. It has been used this way for many years at the arboretum. The colorful flowers emerge from in between the dark green tones of the fir trees, igniting the Old Pinetum in the spring!

‘Red Jade’ is a favorite weeping cultivar that was planted in the New Pinetum in 1989 (1989-NP200). ‘Royal Raindrop’, a newer disease resistant cultivar with unique red (2020-0365). Cut-leaf foliage was planted last year in the Old Pinetum.

-Kevin Wiecks, Landscape Curator

The arboretum has been the perfect place for patrons to enjoy fresh air and experience calmness during a challenging time. Our attendance has grown incredibly, and the staff is working hard to provide a beautiful, safe place for our visitors. With the increase of visitors, we thought we would share tree and garden etiquette. 

Our staff often refers to Bayard Cutting Arboretum as a museum of trees. We curate and care for extremely rare and diverse specimens from all over the world. These trees are historic and priceless, which requires the upmost attention. Just as you walk through an art museum, we encourage visitors to treat and view the trees as special specimens.

Mrs. Cutting donated the land with the purpose “to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty; and to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and importance of informal planting.”

The staff at the arboretum work diligently to uphold her vision. We encourage our visitors to follow proper garden and tree etiquette. Furthermore, we hope if you see others unaware of such decorum, share the value of the arboretum and proper treatment of the collection. These guidelines are for the safety of both our visitors and our plants.

If you see something, say something. Call our office, 631-581-1002.

-Joy Arden, GIS Specialist

The Long Island Nursery and Landscape Association (LINLA) awarded Bayard Cutting Arboretum a grant in the amount of $2,500 to help fund our Summer Internship Program. LINLA represents over one hundred member companies and many more professionals currently working in the horticultural field.

The grant and scholarship committee meets once a year to review the application and debate their merits. For over 90 years of its existence, LINLA members have generously supported this mission by creating several accounts that fund these scholarships.

In filling out the application for the grant Kevin Wiecks, Landscape Curator, writes the objective: The Bayard Cutting Arboretum Internship Program is a full time, three-month long immersion in public horticulture. Preference is given to those pursing degrees in horticulture but is open to anyone with a passion for the trade. Horticultural Interns work in all areas of the gardens and participate in a wide range of horticultural experiences. Daily activities involve working directly with the garden’s staff, assisting with planting, watering, weeding, pruning, mulching and overall daily garden maintenance. Typically, interns rotate around the arboretum working in each of the collections: Holly Collection, Perennial Garden Woodland Garden, CSA Farm, Westbrook Walled Garden, Conifer Garden, Special Projects, and General Grounds.

When outlining this project in the application Kevin writes: Interns gain hands on experience, stressing plant identification, garden maintenance strategies and sound horticultural practices. Through fieldstrips, interns visit other gardens, nurseries, and research facilities. Fieldtrips emphasize the many different career options in horticulture, giving interns the opportunity to network with interns from other gardens and people within the professional community.

Interns are encouraged to design and complete a season long project in their area of interest. Projects will be done under the advisement of a staff member. This project could possibly involve working with the local nursery industry.

LINLA recognized the increase in attendance to public gardens because of the pandemic and the need for Long Islanders to enjoy outdoor spaces. They said and I quote; “These internships not only provide staffing for the arboretum but also provide the participants with experience and horticultural skills needed in their future careers”.

We currently have filled all 7 positions for our 2021 internship program! We are excited for the summer season and thankful to LINLA for their support.

-Lee Kennedy

Spring is in full swing! Trees, shrubs, and perennials are arriving every week. This is a full truck of 43 specimens from Elhannon Nursery in upstate New York.

Cost per person: $40 (50% going to BCA Natural Heritage Trust Fund)

For more info and to sign up: Wild Heart Nature Connection