The arboretum has numerous old, large, and stately trees, but perhaps none so much as the Weeping European Beech (U-FL55) featured on the Great Lawn. In such a prominent location, it makes a dramatic and imposing impact on the landscape when viewed from afar, but it also offers a cozier and more intimate atmosphere when viewed from within. This tree is like a fountain, and each branch is a stream of water cresting at the top and crashing back down to the ground. Often these branches secure themselves in the soil and produce smaller pendulous stems, creating the effect of rippling waves surrounding the tree. Of course, it’s a gorgeous tree year-round but I think winter is an especially wonderful time to admire how dynamic and sculptural the structure is.

In late winter, a significant crack was discovered in one of the tree’s long and heavy branches. We immediately called consulting arborist Fran Reidy of Dryad Tree and Shrub Diagnostics to assess the damage and hoped that we would not have to remove such a major branch from the tree. After her assessment, she recommended that we bolt the crack and prop up the branch which would relieve enough weight to prevent it from cracking any further. Next, we called in Dave Jenkins and Sunburst Tree Experts to do the work. They custom fabricated props for the branches, reinforced and bolted the crack, and removed all the deadwood and invasive vines from the tree. This kind of work takes patience, skill, and a deep respect for elder trees and Sunburst Tree Experts was the perfect fit for the job. This kind of work is also expensive! We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society, who generously donated the funds we needed to take care of this tree.

A tree like this is truly irreplaceable and it takes passion and dedication from a village to care for it. The boardwalk is open once again for viewership, but there are younger weeping beeches (U-SG9 and U-OP11) on the grounds that I also recommend visiting. While most of us will not be able to see a young tree grow into the stateliness of the Weeping Beech on the lawn, I am hopeful the experience will inspire more people to care for trees with longevity in mind, so that in two more turns of the century others will be writing about the trees we planted today. 

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

We’ve started the New Year in earnest by working on Olivia’s room, the latest project to be tackled by our illustrious restoration team members Louis, George, Margie, Pat, and Frank.

Victorian Homes, as you can well imagine, require a great deal of care, and given Westbrook’s age, this old gal is no exception! It’s inevitable settling – on course for 135+ years now – has caused the plaster walls to crack and buckle. Along with the multiple layers of paint that have accumulated which have distorted the fine features and details of its wood trim and some wear and tear of the hardwood floor boards. All effects of time and temperature.

We aspire to restore Westbrook’s original look and the fireplace mantle will prove to be one of our biggest hurdles. It is missing dental molding as well as some of its delicate wood trim and removing layer upon layer of paint to reveal the beautiful carvings that lie underneath will take time and patience.

We’ve made some discoveries along the way, such as newspaper that was used for its well know insulation value (yes, we are kidding you about this) stuffed into wall cavities. This fragile August 11, 1935 edition has informed us that “every boy’s dream bike” is on sale for $18.74 and that “for $1 down you too can own a Sensational radio”. Entertainment for a price tag of $7.85! Now that’s sensational.

We’ll keep you posted on our progress – now that you are aware of the hard work ahead. We take great pride in our endeavor to restore the historic Cutting home to its grandeur and thanks to our supporters, we’re able to accomplish our goals. For this family room restoration project, we greatly appreciate the generous donation by Diana Eyer and her daughter Amanda Bohn. Additionally, we would like to thank the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society for their support.

-Mary Valentin, Park Manager

Two adorable swans enjoying the Great Lawn on a gray, cloudy day. Heather's photography is often represented in our monthly newsletters and social media. This photo is an excellent representation of Heather's artistic eye!

Join us on February 27, 2023, for our 5th Annual symposium. The symposium will be live in person as well as live-streamed!

This year we are revisiting a long-proven concept; Choosing the right plant for the right place. If we choose plants that are well-suited to a location, they will perform well with limited additional input.

However, experience is teaching us to consider changing cultural conditions before making decisions. In a short period of time, dry land can become aquatic, a shaded forest can lose its canopy and well-drained soils can become compacted. The future of horticulture and our plant communities is dependent upon forward thinking and consideration of a changing world.

Presentations will address proper plant selection in urban/suburban areas, mitigating the landscape in anticipation of these changes and garden designs that focus on sustainable landscapes. Credits available in person!

Kevin Wiecks, Director of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, will be sharing his horticultural expertise on a winter landscape tour of the arboretum. This 75-minute tour will focus on the unique horticulture and botanicals exclusive to this time of year. Participants will learn to use buds, twigs, and bark to identify different species of trees.

After the tour, participants will gather in the Manor House where they will enjoy warm beverages and reflect on their new knowledge of the winter landscape. Don’t miss this exciting event!

Upper Carriage House at 1:00 pm

A Look into the Future: Bayard Cutting Arboretum Visitor Center Preview

Cost per person: $40

Upcoming Dates: February 4, 2023

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.

Closes Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Reopens Friday, March 3, 2023

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