Although it doesn’t feel like it, summer is beginning to wane. The days are getting shorter but there are still so many trees and flowers to look forward to! I’d like to highlight one such flower that has been unfairly and mistakenly given a bad reputation for causing unbearable fall allergies-goldenrod (Solidago spp.). This bright and cheery flower starts blooming in September along with many other species in its family, Asteraceae. As Asteraceae is one of the largest plant families, you will surely recognize many flowers in this group including sunflowers, daisies, dahlias, and zinnias. 

While goldenrod is not responsible for your fall miseries, a closely related cousin is. Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) is another plant in the Asteraceae family that produces dull green flowers and blooms around the same time as goldenrod. Ragweed pollen is wind dispersed, floating into the air and up the noses of many people causing (sometimes severe!) allergic reactions. Ragweed is incredibly indiscreet and barely noticed by most people, so it gets away with causing trouble very easily.

In contrast, goldenrod flowers are very conspicuous and easily noticed. The pollen though, is quite sticky and heavy, and not easily transported by the wind because it evolved to be transported by pollinating insects such as bees. To further reduce the scorn surrounding this beautiful native plant I must also point out that goldenrod provides habitat for beneficial insects including several species of ground beetles, lady beetles, mini wasps, hover flies, and assassin bugs. These insects help maintain the balance of other insects we may consider pests in the garden.  

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

The Long Island Horticultural Society published a book in 1972 entitled “The Trees of Long Island” which listed the largest tree specimens on Long Island. Measurements has been taken in 1952, 1962, and 1972. Due to hurricane Gloria, we have three trees left on the list. The last measurements published were in the 1989 Great Trees of Long Island census.

This summer, our intern Matthew Sferlazzo from SUNY Farmingdale, agreed to help update some of our measurements. First, we identified and located the three trees on the 1989 census. All three are located in the Old Pinetum and planted between 1890 and 1920. Next, we determined the best measuring practices to ensure accurate data. We needed to collect the circumference of the trunk at 4.5 feet high, the overall height of the tree, and the size of the crown. To collect the circumference, we used a string and measuring tape. To collect the height, we used a drone to collect the most accurate recording. To collect the crown size, we used satellite imagery to make multiple measurements and to plug into the proper formula. Collecting the data now with modern technology versus 33 years ago is fascinating!

The first tree is Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera’ or Threadleaf Cypress (U-OP304). In 1989, circumference was 94 inches vs 109 inches today. The height was 55 feet vs 57 feet today. The crown grew 1 foot larger. It was interesting to see how this tree has continue to grow extremely slowly over the past three decades.

The second tree is Abies recurvata or Min Fir (1916-OP43). In 1989, circumference was 33 inches vs 54 inches today. The height was 36 feet vs 49 feet today. The crown grew 3 feet larger. This tree is a bit on the smaller side but has put on some impressive growth since 1989. This specimen was gifted to us in 1916 from the Arnold Arboretum!

The last tree is Abies pinsapo ‘Glauca’ or Blue Spanish Fir (U-OP137). In 1989, circumference was 111 inches vs 134 inches today. The height was 45 feet vs 58 feet today. The crown actually decreased by 2 feet. This could be a result of inaccurate data collection, habit growth or tree health. Recently, we discovered a photo of this tree dating back to the 1930s. The man seen, Frederick Sparks, was the Superintendent at the time. Assuming he is roughly 5’5” in the photo, we can estimate the fir was about 33 feet tall in the 1930s! The height has nearly doubled in 90 years. This tree is located in the heart of the Old Pinetum right along the main path. It can be easily identified by the incredible blue needles.

The mixture of history and data made this project exciting. It was a pleasure working with Matthew and the other interns as well! The Cutting family left a wonderful legacy and it is amazing to see it continue to grow. In the future, we plan on measuring and nominating more trees with the hope to help keep the census going.

-Joy Arden, Landscape Curator

Saying goodbye to a few of our amazing (and silly!) horticulture interns.

September 3rd & 4th, 2022

Both shows are open to the public from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Saturday

Photo show hours on Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Dahlia show hours on Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Held at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Carriage House

Photo Competition open to Beginner/Advanced/Professional

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!