Phase 1 of our parking lot and visitor center build is complete! Well, almost! In the last few weeks we’ve installed 10 trees, 286 shrubs, and thousands of perennials in the new parking lot beds. There’s still more trees to come this fall and next spring as we continue working on this project. 

This presents a wonderful opportunity for the arboretum to add more plant species to the collections! So, let me introduce the newest species to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Syringa pekinensis “China Snow” (2023-0036). The Peking Lilac is a small deciduous tree that reaches about 25 feet tall. Naturally, the habit is multi stemmed but they can be pruned to one stem to resemble a more tree-like instead of shrub-like form. We received 6 Peking Lilacs in the tree form this spring. Next spring, we will receive more of this species in its natural multi-stemmed form so visitors can compare the two habits. It is fair to say that our visitors will not see this tree anywhere else on Long Island, making it unique and special.

Why this tree? Parking lots are not easy habitats for trees. Oftentimes they are planted in beds that are too small, cars may park on the root zones, it’s extremely hot due to the large surface area of concrete or blacktop, and water is usually scarce. The Peking Lilac is amazingly adept at surviving in these difficult circumstances. Compared to the Japanese Tree Lilac, Syringa reticulata, the Peking Lilac is a superior planting choice in such conditions. It is drought tolerant once established, thrives in full sun, is hardy in our climate, and is resistant to many of the diseases that plague the more common lilacs.

In addition to all that, it’s a beautiful tree. During the early summer it blooms with large clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers; during the winter the amber colored exfoliating bark is the main attraction.

The selection of this species was inspired by Director Kevin Wiecks’ trip to the Morton Arboretum, which is pioneering the breeding program and championing the use of this tree in urban settings. It has already been successfully used as a street tree all over Chicago (the short stature of it makes the Peking Lilac ideal for planting under wires!). For the arboretum, this selection is truly an example of “right plant, right place”. A tree tough enough on the inside to withstand life in a parking lot, and beautiful enough on the outside to deserve a spot upfront and center. 

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator

Visitors may have noticed in May, we have opened 2 out of our 3 parking lots! You can now enjoy more parking spaces that are wider and easy to access. Along with the new lots come new plantings. We have spent years planning a plant list that would survive tough conditions as well as represent the arboretum in a meaningful way. Our parking lots are treated no differently than our tree collections throughout the arboretum. 

The first ten trees have been planted on the perimeter of the parking lots. They are 3 Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’, 1 Quercus phellos, and 6 Syringa pekinensis 'China Snow'. They reflect and pair with pre-exisiting, mature trees in the area to create a cohesive collection. The Peking Lilacs are accent trees to add color and unique seasonal interest. Coming this fall, we will be planting the parking lot islands with large specimen oaks and hornbeams. 

We planted two types of shrubs to tie the design together. This includes 12 Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Shasta' for flowers and screening. In the islands we planted 274 Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Duke Gardens'. This is a fantastic, evergreen shrub that can handle nearly any condition. It suppresses weeds with its compact yet spreading habit while maintaining a glossy green color year around. With Mr. Cutting’s love of conifers, we found it suiting to introduce a coniferous ground cover.

In the islands, we planted 2761 Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara' to compliment the Japanese yews. This is a dwarf grass that is extremely drought and heat tolerant which is perfect for a parking lot setting. It adds a light, airy texture that requires very little maintenance. The bronze color in the fall will add nice contrast and depth to the islands as well.

As Jessica mentioned earlier, parking lots are not easy habitats for plants to thrive. We enjoyed taking on this unique challenge that we do not often deal with. Our goal is to create a space that blends into our current landscape while pushing the envelope with the plant palette. Personally, I’ve never looked at a parking lot the same! I’m reminded of the intentionality and thought process that goes into landscaping a parking lot whenever I am parking my car. It is a great reminder that there is beauty all around us, even in an unassuming parking lot. 

-Joy Arden, Landscape Curator

The CSA Farm is growing beautifully as the harvest season begins!

With the pursuit of elegant simplicity in mind, David Ebner has been creating furniture for over 3 decades. He approaches his designs as a craftsman dedicated to the medium of wood. With an eye on shapes and movement, Raymond Germann uses his lens to record the landscapes of New York City and Long Island.

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

Bring a wagon!

Date: Thursday, June 22, 2023*

Time: 4:30-6:30pm

Rain date: Thursday, June 29, 2023

Cost: $55 per person

We invite you to join us for this private event on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the CSA Farm.

In our Farm to Table Cocktail Class, our expert bartender will guide the class through the process of crafting three unique summer drinks. During this hands-on lesson, using some fresh ingredients from the farm, students will learn to muddle and infuse ingredients they can grow in their very own backyards. Participants will leave with recipes and gifts to dazzle their own guests at home.

We welcome you and your children to explore our program. Tours are available on Tuesdays at 9:30 am starting June 13, 2023. 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.

Date: Saturday, July 1, 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.

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

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