As horticulturists and stewards of the land, we tend to focus a lot on the plant details-their colors, textures, habits, etc., but a huge part of this field is the people and the community we build around a common calling.  

This year we had the privilege of honoring Fritz Schafer, the late founder and owner of Atlantic Nurseries, with a memorial bench and a new collection inspired by one of his favorite plants, Epimedium. The Schafer family generously donated several species of Epimedium from Fritz’ private collection. To honor an important figure in the local horticultural community and display this unique donation of plants, we located the collection behind the Four Season Garden opposite the weeping beech tree that Fritz' bench sits under (U-OP11). It just so happens that the junipers here are also noteworthy in that they are specimens donated in the 1970s by another local horticultural legend, Joe Cesarini. Revivals of spaces like these within the arboretum are crucial to continuing the legacy of the plantspeople who came before us.  

Epimedium is an asset in the landscape for many reasons. In addition to their elegant pendulous flowers, all species offer an array of fall color. The most unique specimen in our new collection is Epimedium epsteinii. Named for the late Harold Epstein, noted plantsman and Epimedium collector.

Fritz’ passion for plants will be part of Bayard Cutting Arboretum forever, not only in the form of a memorial bench but in the thousands of plants Atlantic Nurseries has supplied us over the years. This new collection honors a true plantsman and leader in the field, and it also represents the importance of community working together to protect, preserve, and encourage plant diversity.

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

On October 1st we had the pleasure of accommodating the Long Island Arboricultural Association’s full day advanced climbing seminar. The LIAA is a fixture in Long Island arboriculture where they strive to stimulate interest by teaching proper planting and preservation, educating the public, encouraging research for the adequate protection of trees and shrubs, and promoting the use of efficient and proper arboricultural methods. We have a close relationship with the LIAA where we receive wonderful support, education, and community! It was very exciting to be part of this major event.

The climbing seminar was presented by Mark Chisholm. He is a 3 time international tree climbing champion with great knowledge on advanced climbing techniques. The LIAA chose a large, historical black oak by our CSA farm to hold the event. The weather was less than perfect, but the afternoon cleared for some great demonstrations. Over 100 professionals from municipalities, small businesses and corporations attended to learn safe climbing practices! Mark Chisholm shared lessons on advanced rigging as well as how to perform a proper aerial rescue. Not only was the event a great educational experience, but it was a nice way to gather our arboricultural community.

These types of events are vital to keeping our trees and arborists safe. We are so thankful to the LIAA and Mark Chisholm for holding such a fantastic event. The Bayard Cutting Arboretum strives to promote local organizations and education for our communities. We appreciate the LIAA’s support and all the work they do for the arboriculture industry. Learn more about the LIAA and their events on their website.

-Joy Arden, Landscape Curator

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Donal Peterson, our beekeeper and friend. Don has taken amazing care of our honey bees for the past decade.

Don passed away quite suddenly earlier this month, leaving a big hole in the beekeeping community on Long Island and New York State overall. His passing was a shock to all who knew and loved him, as he seemed strong, fit, and bigger than life.

Don was a personable and friendly guy, who worked in construction for many years, and was now living his dream of making a living from his passion for Honey Bees. He had bee yards from Queens to the East End of Long Island. Not only did he harvest honey and provide pollination for crops, he also rendered beautiful beeswax, created nucleus colonies (nucs) of bees to sell to new beekeepers and raised queen bees for his own use as well as for sale. How he juggled his schedule to get all his work done is a miracle in itself, as he had well over 160 hives on Long Island, requiring attention as well as the harvesting, extraction, bottling and distribution for sale of over 5000 lbs of honey each year. His “Bee” truck was unique and familiar to many. He would show up early in the morning to check his bees on farms, parks and backyards and recognition of his truck gave comfort that the bees were being cared for.

Don connected to people through his bees in many different ways. He served as the Vice President and then President of the Long Island Beekeepers Club. In this capacity, he advocated for legislation to protect honey bees on Long Island and throughout New York State. He was happy to speak to people about his bees as well as Native Pollinators, often being asked to speak to groups such as garden clubs, schools and at events. He would answer questions about bees tirelessly. He was always willing to answer questions about honey bees. He managed bees for people who could no longer keep their own bees due to illness or age. He spoke to other beekeepers on the phone about issues they were facing and offer possible solutions, often while working in his bee yards and holding the phone against his ear with his shoulder as worked. Rain didn’t mean a day off, as a rainy day is the perfect time to move hives, as all the bees are home. He worked in the rain, too.

Don was 54. He left us way too soon. He leaves behind a loving sister, Lorna, a brother-in-law and two lovely nieces along with his very good friends and fellow beekeepers who are working hard to care for his bees. We are all still in shock of the loss. As is tradition, his bees have been informed of their caretaker’s passing. Don would not want people to mourn and be sad, but, rather he would have wanted you all to raise a glass and toast: May the bees prosper, may the honey flow, long live the Queen!

A calming fall scene with bright Japanese maples and mature junipers.

Category: Arts & Entertainment - Public Garden

Our education workshops are filling up quickly. We have a few openings let if interested!

Upper Carriage House at 6:30 pm

Cost per person: $40

Upcoming Dates: November 5th, December 3rd

For more info and to sign up: website

Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us.

The best way to see all that BCA has to offer is to take a “Grounds Tour” that is guided by a friendly and knowledgeable docent. We are offering free tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am. We offer private grounds tours at $10 per person with a minimum of 10 on the tour. We hope to see you and your friends soon!

House tours are held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Attic tours are held at 2:30 pm and continue on Fridays and Saturdays. Call (631) 581-1002 to register for a tour!

The gift shop will be open on Thursday - Sunday from 11am-4pm. Stop by at the Manor House to visit the gift shop!