A tree I have come to love within the last two years is the Chinese pagoda tree, or Styphnolobium japonicum. Don’t be fooled by the specific epithet “japonicum” which typically means a plant is native to Japan. This tree is originally native to central and western China, although it is widely cultivated in both countries. Another common name for this tree is Chinese scholar tree because it was commonly planted around Buddhist temples for the attractive flowers and shade, and it was even used as grave markers for Buddhist monks. There is a dark side to this tree as well; the Chinese character that represents the Chinese scholar tree combines elements meaning “wood” and “ghost” because the tree is believed to be often inhabited by demons.

Introduced to the West during the 1700s, the Chinese scholar tree has become a popular tree for the urban forest as it is very tolerant of pollution, heat, and drought. It is a medium tree that grows 35 to 50 feet tall and wide, and its green pinnately compound leaves persist well into the fall after many other trees have begun to turn color. Although it takes at least 10 years before it begins to flower and 30-40 years for peak production, it’s well worth the wait, and the best flowering usually occurs in August after a very hot summer. Another unique feature of this tree is that all new growth remains green for 4 years before turning brown.

We have two specimens here at the arboretum. One of our specimens, Styphnolobium japoniucm ‘Regent’ (1990-OP692) is about 30 years old and is entering its prime for flowering. This photo was taken August 2021. Let’s hope it flowers like this again soon! Our second one is a straight species Styphnolobium japonicum (U-FL21). It was planted well before we began keeping a database of all the trees, so we don’t know how old it is, but we are hoping for a beautiful display this year.

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

Last week the arboretum hosted a Farm to Table Cocktail Class which was a great success! Our Education Coordinator, Liz Herrick, planned this event where an expert bartender guided the class through the process of crafting three unique summer drinks. During this hands-on lesson, using some fresh ingredients from the farm, students learned to muddle and infuse ingredients they can grow in their very own backyards.

We had twenty participants make drinks using ingredients such as watermelon, cucumber, basil, mint and lavender! The bartender did a fantastic job concocting easy recipes that anyone could follow and adapt! This hands on class was a great way for everyone to learn at home cocktail recipes while having fun. The class overlooked the CSA Farm and Dahlia Garden in the evening, making the atmosphere that much better. Everyone made delicious summer drinks, ate tasty snacks, and enjoyed each other’s company. When the class was over, students left with recipes and gifts to dazzle their own guests at home. Overall, a great success!

Education is a large part of the arboretum’s mission. We hope to educate and inspire our community on a range of topics for all ages. Classes are offered year around and can be explored on our website. The more events we host, the more we learn about your interests. We appreciate everyone’s participation and feedback. Now that it is August, it is a great time to start planning for the fall. Contact us to book field trips and tours. Keep your eyes open on our website for farm school, upcoming Magical Mondays, art classes, and additional seasonal events. If you have any suggestions or interests, let us know!

-Joy Arden, Landscape Curator

Capturing the beautiful Lillium superbum (Turk's Cap Lily) in bloom on the River Walk.

Cost per person: $40

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.

We have introduced an abundance of education programs and classes starting this spring. There are preschool classes, elementary classes, story hour, and more coming!

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!

Workshops: watercolor, acrylic, fiber

For more info and to sign up: website

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum offers an array of art workshops in the mediums of painting, sculpture, metal-sculpting, mosaics, and more! Learn from our group of local, working professionals and jump-start your journey into art today.

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