The Arboretum is home to countless trees and shrubs that easily identifiable as woody plants, but the feature plant this month is less obviously so. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a slow growing, prostrate, evergreen woody ground cover that is native to the northeast, within the Atlantic coastal pine barrens, a unique ecosystem that encompasses the South Shore of Long Island, South New Jersey, and Cape Cod. Within the pine barrens you can find pines, scrub oaks, and numerous plants that are adapted to dry, poor soils. Bearberry is at home in these soils and is also tolerant of wind and salt, making it an excellent choice for some tricky habitats. | |
Bearberry Close Up - Photo by Jessica O'Callahan | |
Arctostaphylos is my favorite genus name, and the entire botanical name is ridiculously redundant. The genus name is Greek: arctos, meaning bear, and staphyle, meaning bunch of grapes. The specific epithet is Latin: uva, meaning grapes, and ursus, meaning bear. Bears really do love this plant. Coyotes, foxes, birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and even humans are also huge fans. While edible for humans, they are not particularly palatable and require boiling and drying to become bearable to eat. | |
The cultural and ecological importance of a plant can be indicated by how many common names it has. In my research, I came across about 30 different names for bearberry including the more commonly used hog cranberry, mountain box, and sand berry, and the less commonly used rapper-dandies, chipmunk’s apple, and mealy-plum vine. In addition to 30 common names, it has several names in Native American languages. It is also known as kinnikinnick, possibly an Algonquin word for “smoking mixture,” in reference to the fact that Indigenous and First Nations peoples used the leaves in sacred pipes. They also used the leaves in teas and tinctures to treat various ailments and processed the berries into preserved cakes for winter. | |
When in bloom during April to June, you can see the pink-white urn-shaped flowers that clearly signifies this plant is part of the Ericaceae family. Ericaceae, or the heath family, is comprised of several horticultural and agricultural favorites such as andromedas, rhododendrons, mountain laurels, blueberries, cranberries, and huckleberries. Bearberry doesn’t have a future as an agricultural crop (it has been described as “mealy”, “bitter”, and “tasteless”), but it is underused and underappreciated as a horticultural one! | |
It is an excellent ground cover in the proper cultural conditions: poor soils, dry, and sunny. It is a good choice for tough landscapes like parking lot beds or for use on and among rocky formations. The small club shaped leaves are a bright green when new, then transition to a lustrous dark green at maturity, then again to a bronzed maroon during the dormant seasons. The light-colored flowers give way to bright red fruit that usually persist throughout the winter, providing forage for wildlife during food scarcity. | |
Patch in Woodland Border - Photo by Jessica O'Callahan | We currently have bearberry planted exclusively along the Woodland border, a very appropriate location as bearberry is often found in sunny forest margins or clearings in the wild. The slope aspect of the border affects how water travels throughout the garden; we previously attempted managing weeds with mulch, which would just get washed away. The bearberry planted at the border’s edge acts as erosion control, slowing down some water and soil from traveling too fast down the hill. And since they are planted at the top of the hill, they are in the dryer location needed for flourishment. Too much water or heat in lush garden environments can lead to root rot and several leaf maladies. Please visit the Woodland Garden to see our new planting of bearberry and keep an eye out for future plantings throughout the Arboretum. | |
-Jessica O'Callahan, Grounds Supervisor | |
Thanks to our 2024 interns for a wonderful season! | |
Magical Monday Wine & Cheese Evening
Enjoy a glass of wine and light fare during our private evening event. Join our docents for a grounds tour or Manor House tour and relax on the porch during sunset.
Monday, October 21 - 5:00PM to 7:00PM
Fee: $50 per person.
Register here!
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Golden Hour Photography
We invite you to join us for a unique opportunity to practice photography with your smartphone or digital camera after park hours. Participants can expect to get an introduction to essential skills in photography and the chance to apply them the same day.
Tuesday, September 17 - 4:30PM to 7:30PM.
Fee: $50 per participant.
Register here!
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Concert with Jack's Waterfall
Jack's Waterfall - Blues, Jazz, Pop, Country & Folk
Sunday, September 15 - 1:00PM to 3:30PM
Lower Carriage House, Outdoors (Rain will move up into the Carriage House)
Bring a Chair or Blanket
Sponsored By Great River Community Association
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Forest Bathing Walk
Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us.
Saturday, September 7 - 10:30AM to 12:30PM
Fee: $40 per person.
Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors. Register here!
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Art Show: Bayard Cutting Arboretum & Beyond Photography of Holly Gordon
An artist and a gardener, Holly Gordon began as a nature photographer greatly influenced by Monet and the Impressionists. Having been a resident of the Town of Islip, she has found constant sources of inspiration from visits to Bayard Cutting Arboretum. As the Arboretum has evolved, so has Gordon's creative vision.
August 22 - September 15, 2024
Thursday - Sunday 11:00AM to 4:00PM
More information here!
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Watercolor Workshops with Teresa Cromwell
Have fun with watercolors and go home with a finished picture ready to frame!
Sunday, September 8 - 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Friday, September 20 - 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Fee: $50 per Student
All materials are provided by the instructor. Feel free to bring your own paints and brushes to class. Registration, additional dates, and more information can be found on our website.
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House and Grounds Tours
Manor House Tours are offered Thursdays thru Sundays at 1PM. Ground Tours are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30AM. Call (631) 581-1002 for availability, costs, required registration, and more details.
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Home School Programming
We welcome you and your children to explore our program. Tours are available on Tuesdays at 9:30 am. 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.
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Help Support Bayard Cutting Arboretum | |
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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