March is one of my favorite times of the year. Its reputation may be sullied with chronic grey skies and muddy ground, but many beautiful plants begin blooming in March, carrying us through the last throes of winter and into the beginning of spring. Witch hazels, snowdrops, crocuses, irises, Viburnums, Magnolias and Chinese Paperbush are just some of the flowers you can see this month. Early blooming woody plants are especially interesting this time of year. Although the flowers are small, they are not hidden amongst large leafy material. The architecture of bare woody stems is highlighted by the small splashes of color (and sometimes fragrance!) that appear this time of year.

This month I want to highlight Buttercup Winterhazel (Corylopsis pauciflora) and Spike Winterhazel (Corylopsis spicata). This genus is closely related to another winter flowering shrub, Witch Hazel, both in the family Hamamelidaceae.

Corylopsis pauciflora, Buttercup Winterhazel (NC Extension)

Corylopsis pauciflora, (NC Extension)

Both the Buttercup and Spike Winterhazel feature small lemon yellow and fragrant flowers but differ slightly in size and flower presentation. The Spike Winterhazel is overall a larger shrub, getting to 10 feet in height and produces numerous flowers as a long pendulous cluster. The Buttercup Winterhazel tends to be a smaller, squatter shrub which produces small groups of 2-5 flowers.

Corylopsis spicata (NC Extension)

Corylopsis spicata, Spike Winterhazel (NC Extension)

Last year, we added several more Corylopsis pauciflora to an existing group on the Woodland Border and we have plans to create a second grouping as part of the border redesign (2022-0230). As a stand-alone shrub in a large border setting, the Buttercup Winterhazel is a bit too dainty to command attention, so creating a large grouping provides a beautiful and captivating display this time of year. We have a small grouping of Corylopsis spicata in the Pinetum Extension, which we also have plans to expand in the future (U-0222). Neither groupings are in bloom just yet, so check throughout the month of March to catch them at their best!

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

On February 27th we hosted our fifth annual symposium, Right Plant, Right Place, REVISITED! This year we revisited a long-proven concept; Choosing the right plant for the right place. If we choose plants that are well-suited to a location, they will perform well with limited additional input. However, experience is teaching us to consider changing cultural conditions before making decisions. The future of horticulture and our plant communities is dependent upon forward thinking and consideration of a changing world. 

The symposium topics correlated with the current construction of our new visitor center and parking lots. Our first speaker, Christopher Fields-Johnson, Ph.D., represented Davey Tree Expert Company. His presentation on tree conservation during construction gave a detailed insight on how arborists should approach tree protection during vulnerable construction projects. Michael Runkel, the Director of Grounds at Hofstra University, spoke on common mistakes made when selecting and planting trees, proper planting techniques, and shared a reliable tree list for tough environments. The next speaker was Glynn Percival, Ph.D., Senior Arboricultural Research Manager at Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory. His presentation included many different approaches and techniques to mitigate difficult planting conditions such as air-spading and mulching. 

In the afternoon, we had two wonderfully energetic speakers to close out the day. James Kaechele, Program Manager of New York City Parks Tree Time spoke about his tree planting research from the past decade and highlighted the tools he and his colleagues have developed to cope with some challenging planting projects throughout the city. Lastly, Logan Kjep, Owner & Founder of Living Land presented on embracing wild and native landscapes. He discussed the importance and value of modeling our landscapes on dynamic natural systems so we can better plan their lush futures.

Our mission is to engage and educate our community. This year we sold out of tickets and reached a wider audience over zoom. Both in-person and webinar attendees had the opportunity to learn and interact with our five speakers throughout the day. We are pleased to educate our patrons and share knowledge on how we can manage landscapes for a sustainable future. With the help of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society and our board of trustees, our 5th annual symposium was truly a success! We would like to thank all of our speakers and attendees for a wonderful event.

-Joy Arden, Landscape Curator

A stunning winter view of the Conifer Garden's various colors and textures.

Reopens Friday, March 3, 2023

This year Bayard Cutting Arboretum is fortunate to be hosting the Long Island Arboricultural Association’s annual Arbor Day of Service. It is an educational event organized and sponsored by the LIAA that has been helping to maintain the integrity of arboretums, museums, and various other sites throughout Long Island for almost 50 years. Skilled arborists with specialized equipment will be working through out the 691 acres of the arboretum. It is an incredible opportunity for LIAA to contribute to our community while also allowing industry members a chance to work together, sharing skills and educating one another through hands-on experience.

Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023

Time: Two classes are available at 11-12PM and 1-2PM

Recommended for secondary students 13-18

Workshop is $45 per participant, GET TICKETS HERE

Terrariums are a small, enclosed environments for certain plants. We can think of a terrarium as a mini greenhouse. In this class, students will learn about the two types of terrariums, sealed or open, and be able to construct their very own using recycled materials! Each student will receive the supplies needed to construct their own terrarium including a succulent and/or fern for easy and successful growing. Students will also learn about the importance of soil composition and balancing an ecosystem.

Upper Carriage House at 1:00 pm

Karl Auwaerter, Bayport Flower House

"What's New in Garden World"

Since 2014, Victoria has been offering watercolor workshops on the grounds of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum bringing patrons in to paint the beautiful surroundings, learn and practice a new skill and have a fun, relaxing day of painting.

All supplies are provided and no experience is necessary. You will be given hands on instruction, demonstration and guidance to create your masterpiece! Then spend the afternoon walking around the gardens and paths along the river and enjoy a lunch or tea at the Hidden Oak Café.

Please visit our website for her 2023 workshop schedule. You may also call Victoria if you have any question at (631) 374-2099

A Solo Exhibit by Acrylic Artist Chris Gordon

Date: March 30 – April 24, 2023

Exhibit Hours: Thursdays – Sundays 11AM – 4PM

Artist Reception: Sunday, April 16, 2023

Location: Annex

Call Main Office for more information. 631-581-1002