Every tree at Bayard Cutting Arboretum has a story to tell. Some of these stories are more interesting than others. Picea sitchensis 'Bentham's sunlight' (the golden Sitka spruce) is among them. This tree was recently gifted to the arboretum by the propagator at Iseli Nursery. It is a true collector's plant, rarely found in the trade and extremely difficult to propagate.
The golden Sitka spruce is a slow growing dwarf that pushes bright yellow needles in the spring. It exhibits a high tolerance for salt spray and is reported to be deer resistant.
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The straight species of this plant, Picea sitchensis, is native to the North West and happens to be the largest tree in the spruce genus. 'Bentham's sunlight' was discovered on Queen Charlotte Island in British Columbia. The tree was sacred to the Haida Native Americans and served as a symbol for the environmental movement. Cuttings were brought to Iseli nursery in 1981. John Vail wrote about the interesting history and folklore of this unique tree in his book, "The Golden Spruce". Since then, this tree has been sought after by collectors from all over the world. Our golden Sitka spruce can be found in the new ACS Garden within the Old Pinetum.
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-Kevin Wiecks, Landscape Curator |
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An Update on Tree Plantings |
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After the initial planting of the Japanese maples in the Royce Rhododendron garden, the remaining specimens we received from Iseli Nursery were all planted in ACS Garden located in the Old Pinetum. Many months of researching and planning had led up to this day, and the staff were eager to finally put these plants in the ground. |
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Ronda Brands, garden designer, led our staff in designing and placing the 42 unique conifers. It was just like putting the pieces of a puzzle together; we had to make sure plants grouped together complimented each other’s color, texture, and growth habit. If you visit the garden you might wonder why we spaced such little plants so far apart with emptiness in between. Although many of these conifers are tiny now, in 10-20 years they will have reached their full maturity. If they are spaced too close together initially, in a few years we would have to make decisions on whether to remove several trees or change their habits with drastic pruning. Leaving space now ensures that each tree will have room to develop into its true character in the future. |
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After several hours of making sure the design was perfect, we began
planting. Each hole was carefully dug to the correct depth for each plant, fertilized, and then watered. After the entire garden was planted, the crew mulched to keep moisture near the roots where they need it most and to keep weeds from germinating.
-Jessica O'Callahan, 2020 Intern
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We are proud to announce that Bayard Cutting Arboretum has recently been named an American Conifer Society Reference Garden.
This prestigious designation is reserved for the few public gardens that fit the stringent criteria created by the ACS.
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December is a time to celebrate family, friends, and all that brings us joy.
Our holiday soldiers are once again standing tall to usher you and your family in for a visit to the Arboretum. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Santa will not be visiting this year and the Manor House will remain closed.
Visitors are welcomed to walk through the magnificent grounds and enjoy many of the garden treasures such as shrubs that have fantastic evergreen leaves or berries that make the winter season colorful.
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Keep an eye out along the River Walk for the different species of turtles and ducks that call the Arboretum waters their home. Squirrels and chipmunks running about are also a common sight throughout the grounds, feasting on acorns, and other plant offerings such as beauty berry, winterberry holly, and sweet pepperbush. |
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Walk through the Holly Garden and look for the variety of birds that enjoy the many colorful berries. And don’t forget to stop at the Hidden Oak Café to warm up and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or tea.
FUN FACT:
Did you that December was the tenth month of the Roman year and gets its name from ‘decem’ meaning ‘ten’ in latin.
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We would like to take this time to wish all our visitors a happy and healthy holiday season.
Bayard Cutting Staff and Volunteers!
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Date: Saturday, December 12th at 10:30 am
Cost per person: $40 (50% going to BCA Natural Heritage Trust Fund)
Attendance is capped at 10. Masks required.
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A Wellness Walk is a unique immersion in nature; a connection with the natural world and ourselves. Unlike a hike or a naturalist walk, it’s a time to slow down and get grounded in nature; bringing some peace and quiet to our otherwise busy lives.
The wellness benefits of Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing include:
- A boosted immune system
- Lower blood pressure
- Better sleep/Better mood
- Improved cognitive function and more!
Linda Lombardo is a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), and a certified Master Naturalist through Quality Parks on Long Island, NY.
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Helping Bayard Cutting Arboretum |
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Tax deductible donations can also be made by check payable to
Natural Heritage Trust and mailed to
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, PO Box 907, Great River, NY 11739
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