Cathaya agrophylla, a rare conifer native to China, and even rarer in cultivation is the newest addition to the Bayard collection!

Originally discovered in 1938 by a young Chinese botanist, the Cathaya was somewhat forgotten until rediscovery in the 1950s. Due to a shifting global political climate, seeds of the Cathaya were not shared internationally, which could explain why it languished in obscurity for decades after discovery. Even though seeds were eventually shared in the 1990s, Cathaya argryophylla still remains extremely rare in cultivation, and its wild population is estimated to be only around 4,000 individuals throughout Southeast China.

Another factor contributing to its rarity is difficulty in reproduction, which has earned this tree the moniker “giant panda of the plant world”. Trees don’t produce cones until they are quite mature, and even then, miscalculations of timing in male and female cone production impede reproductive success. A long cold stratification period makes the Cathaya difficult to start from seed, and a reluctance to root makes it difficult to propagate from cuttings. These challenges are not conducive to mass production in the horticultural trade, and therefore the Cathaya has not spread widely through cultivation.

How did a rare, ancient conifer endemic to the misty mountains of Southeastern China come to the south shore of Long Island? Through a long time friend of the arboretum, Ridge Goodwin, who was once gifted with a rare rooted cutting from Iseli Nursery. Iseli Nursery, located in Oregon, is the country’s leading nursery in conifer propagation and cultivation. After procuring propogules (seeds or cuttings) in the 1990s, Iseli experimented with propagating the Cathaya. As it is stubbornly difficult to do so, the Cathaya did not perform well for commercial production. This particular specimen grew up in a Pennsylvania nursery for at least 20 years before needing a new home. Now, Bayard Cutting is one of very few arboreta outside of China to have a specimen of this unique endangered tree. The tree can be viewed in the Four Season Garden, next to the European Weeping Beech (2023-0006). Looking forward to the completion of the visitor center next year, we will be introducing a few more of Ridge's trees.

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

It is not Spring at the arboretum without planting trees! Our landscape is constantly changing and with the parking lot construction, we are experiencing a rapid transformation. We planned to reduce our tree planting this year to ensure we have the proper capacity to care for our collection.

At the end of April, we had five large scale trees delivered from Half Moon Nursery. These trees were generously donated by the nursery owner, Ridge Goodwin. We worked with Ridge in 2016 when installing the Conifer Garden adjacent to the house. Ridge was involved in the formation of the American Conifer Society and is highly regarded in the tree community. He is well known for growing unique, rare conifers at large sizes. So when he offered to donate trees to our collection, we knew the quality of trees would be outstanding.

Three of the donated trees are Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’ (Japanese White Pine). They have very unique architecture and needles with a blue tint. These trees appeared large coming off the trailer, but when planted, they fit into the landscape perfectly. Two were planted on the entrance drive, to compliment the updated parking lots (2023-0004, 2023-0003). The third was planted in the Pinetum Extension to replace a lost juniper (2023-0005). Each of these Japanese White Pines brings great character and structure to the landscape.

The fourth tree was the Cathaya argyrophylla, as mentioned earlier. The sheer size and rarity of this tree is something to be marveled at. The tree’s prominent location in the Four Season Garden allows it to be seen from the path (2023-0006). It is always extremely exciting to add a brand new type of tree to our collection.

The fifth tree donated was Picea abies ‘Big Wave’. This Norway Spruce is a short, weeping tree with a whimsical habit. It is appropriately named ‘Big Wave’ as the habit follows a wave pattern with sprawling blue branches. Ridge encouraged the tree to stay low to the ground and extend outward. This showcase tree was planted at the new entrance of the parking lot (2023-0002).

These five trees are much larger than what we typically plant each Spring. The burlapped balls were over 70” diameter and roughly 6,000 pounds each! Planting trees this large will mean extra care when it comes to irrigation. Each tree will receive roughly 100 gallons per week throughout the season. With that extra attention, we can monitor the trees weekly to ensure they are happy in their new homes. We would like to thank Ridge Goodwin from Half Moon Nursery for carefully curating and donating this group of specimen trees!

-Joy Arden, Landscape Curator

As of May 1st, phase one of construction is complete! Two new parking lots are open to our visitors offering 190 full sized spaces (double the amount we had this winter and spring).

We now closed the first parking lot where the visitor center and parking lot will be completed by next Spring. Be aware of the new parking lot entrance located by the booth. Thanks for your patience as we switch phases and adapt to these new changes!

An ironic yet sensational view of storm clouds rolling in over Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud'.

Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023

Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm

Cost: $25 per person

For kids ages 6 and up!

Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023

Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk 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 even create some nature art together.

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

Fee: $40 per person.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Upper Carriage House at 6:30 pm

Coyotes on Long Island

Lower Carriage House from 9:00am - 4:00pm

Bring a wagon!

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

Mary Ahern

Date: May 4-28, 2023

Gallery Hours: Thursdays – Sundays 11am – 4pm

Artist Reception: Sunday, May 7 (1-3pm)

Artist Talk: Sunday May 21 (1-2pm)

Location: Upper Annex

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