Cunninghamia lanceolata, or the China-fir, is a unique ornamental conifer for North American gardens. Like many common names, the name China-fir is not an accurate description because it is not a true fir, or a tree in the genus Abies. It is one of only two species in its genus and belongs to the family Cupressaceae which makes it a relative of Redwoods, Bald Cypresses, and Junipers. All species within this family share resinous and aromatic wood as well as heartwood resistant to decay. Here the tree can reach 60 feet at maturity, in its native habitat it can reach up to 150 feet. As it ages the habit changes from a dense conical shape to a loose asymmetrical pyramid, and usually comprises of multiple trunks. It is an ideal screening tree due to its size and relatively fast growth, but also holds its own as a single specimen plant.

These days the China-fir can scarcely be found on its native habitat of mountaintops and crags, as any large specimen has been lost to logging, but the tree has been widely cultivated in plantations throughout China as an important timber tree. It has been used for thousands of years because of the longevity and durability of the wood and the tree’s ability to sprout new branches from trunks (an ability unique to conifers but more common in flowering trees). In a garden setting, this is advantageous if you want the color or texture of the China-fir but don’t have the space to accommodate a full-size tree; it can handle being heavily pruned back to maintain a smaller stature or specific shape without the risk of creating an unsightly, thin shrub. An example of this can be found in the Pinetum Extension C. lanceolata ‘Prostrata’ (2017-0008). Although a naturally smaller size than the straight species, we prune this specimen yearly to keep it contained within its’ designated garden space.

One drawback of the China-fir is that is tends to collect its dead needles for years before shedding them in foot long or longer pieces that collect at the bottom of the tree. The leaves are painfully sharp, which once provided protection from herbivory during the dinosaur age and they also prevent gardeners from thoroughly cleaning up after it, because we can barely tolerate the pain! The long-pointed needles give the appearance of a flat arrangement on the stem (like many firs, hence the misnomer), but also evoke its prehistoric origins. Personally, I love to use the foliage in floral arrangements as it keeps in water for a long time and really stands out amid softer foliage. Keep an eye out for it in our Christmas mantel decorations this year! 

All our specimens are in the Pinetum Extension, which include Cunninghamia lanceolata, C. lanceolata ‘Glauca’, C. lanceolata ‘Prostrata’, and our newest addition (yet to be planted), C. lanceolata ‘Chason’s Gift’, which will be a narrower and more compact version of the straight species, given to the arboretum by Dr. Jonathan Lehrer of Farmingdale State College. Cunninghamia lanceolata ‘Glauca’ is most often cultivated in North America because of the blue needle color and is thought to have better winter hardiness compared to the straight species (this is a sub-tropical tree after all!). The Pinetum Extension has a sunny, southern exposure and we believe the original C. lanceolata ‘Glauca’ was situated on this site to take advantage of those conditions as well as the additional protection from cold, dry winds. As you can see, when planted in a sunny protected area, the China-fir can grow into a spectacular tree in our zone.

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

I have the good fortune of enjoying Westbrook House in the quiet hours of early morning and late evening – peaceful times when the house settles into a wholesome vibration of tranquility. On one such evening, in the midst of a restoration project, I admired the work our team had accomplished in Olivia’s room. The plaster walls, once veined with damage due to time, temperature, and pressure, had been made new again and were now silky smooth — eagerly awaiting primer and paint!

I just love orchestrating the daily sequence of our projects, from the dusty mess of tear down to managing the barrage of small details that make it grand. I find it challenging and absolutely fulfilling. I wondered, as I often do, whether Mrs. Cutting would approve of our work when suddenly I heard a clock’s chime. Ordinarily, a clock’s voice in an old home isn’t surprising but it was coming from the hallway where no working clock lives.

There it sits on a narrow table flanked by Mr. and Mrs. Cutting’s portrait, the very one I bought as a ‘parts’ clock meant only as a prop. The winding mechanism has locked up and quit ticking long ago. Silent up to this moment. So why was it making itself known now? I traveled towards it to find the answer. Sure enough, the pendulum was dead still but she kept chiming nevertheless, four more times as a matter of fact, as if to say “didn’t you hear me?”.

Was it Mrs. Cutting answering my question? A spiritual affirmation regarding our love and dedication to Westbrook House? Not sure. But what I do know is one early morning, a man wearing top hat and tails was leaving Westbrook, quickly traversing Oak Park. And recently, our new team member reluctantly reported that he had seen a glamorously gowned woman in the pass through that connects Justine’s and Bronson’s rooms. A longtime staff member says that “Bill” (William Bayard Cutting), likes to play tricks and that he often shuts the doors behind her as she goes about her daily care of Westbrook. She distinctly smells cigar smoke in the lower Annex certain that Mr. Cutting is relaxing in the billiards room.

We are asked (with great frequency) whether we think Westbrook has ghosts. Well….YES! Friendly ones for sure, the kind that like parties and merry making, that safeguard Westbrook, and keep us all happily working here in our quest to provide pure enjoyment to our visitors (and perhaps, Mrs. Cutting, too!). Well, in any case, pleasing Mrs. C in caring for her home is my hope and my inspiration.

– Mary Valentin, Park Manager

A close up view of our Franklin Tree's (Franklinia alatamaha)

Take a walk through the Old Pinetum to see our Scarecrows! Please keep in mind this is weather permitting due to the delicate nature of the displays.

New merchandise and special items are always arriving! Located at the upper annex in the Manor House.

Hours are 11:00 am – 4:00pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays

Learn about Sustainable Gardens with Vinnie Simeone

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

Walk length: 120 minutes; please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors.

Fee: $40 per person.

This group of artists was selected to participate in Evoking Images because of a shared interest in landscape and nature, and its representation. For some artists, the way the light danced in a warm glow cast upon something unexpected, or the tiniest of details that caught their gaze inspired the desire to create. For others, a scene associated with a mood, the interplay of colors, or a mysterious shadow propelled the artistic endeavor. The artists vary in the use of various mediums to layer depths of color, shapes, composition, and unique mark-making techniques to convey the original meaning of the image.

Saturday, November 4th 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Forest Bathing and Sound Healing at Bayard Cutting Arboretum! Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, and Phoenix Green, sound healer, on a walk at Bayard Cutting Arboretum to reconnect with the natural world around us. We’ll slow down, wander and notice what most of the world simply walks past; the beauty of nature in any season. We’ll do some grounding, connect with the trees and water, and end with a healing sound bath to harmonize your experience with Nature. These walks are always slow and easy-going, not a hike; not a tour of plants or collections.

Info and Registration Here: https://www.forestbathingfinder.com/product/bayard-cutting-arboretum-21/

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!

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

We welcome you and your children to explore our program. Tours are available on Tuesdays at 9:30 am starting June 13, 2023. Reservations are required and payment must be made in advance. For more information, please contact Carolann Gaites, Volunteer Coordinator, at 631-581-1002, ext. 105.

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