Springtime at Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park

Bayard Cutting Arboretum-Welcome Spring!

Welcome to This Month in the Garden as we tour the beautiful 691 acre Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park, located in the town of Great River on the south shore of Long Island. It is the home to numerous collections of plants, including the Woodland Garden Walk, the Four Season Garden, Old Pinetum and Pinetum Extension, Oak Park and Holly Walk, Westbrook Wall Garden, Royce Rhododendron Walk, Paradise Island Walk and the well-known Dwarf Conifer Garden. There is always something new to see at the arboretum, as new plantings are added yearly. I have been wanting to visit Bayard during springtime for the longest time and finally made it!

Bayard Cutting Manor House

Entering the arboretum, is this beautiful 68 room mansion that was built for William Bayard Cutting in 1886 as a country home. Touring around the back of the Manor House are views of  the Great Lawn, where fields of Daffodils can be admired in springtime. 

Looking out onto The Great Lawn

Snowdrops

Strolling along during the month of April, remains of snowdrops, one of the earliest blooming perennials, can also be seen growing in the woodland areas.

View of the Great Lawn from Mansion

A variety of mature trees, including Oak, Maple and Elm, mixed in with Pine, Spruce and other evergreens can be viewed from across the vast Great Lawn...

Beautiful Paths

while winding paths can be followed to view stone walls and sitting areas.

Weeping Red Japanese Maple

With the arrival of spring, deciduous trees, such as this Weeping Japanese Maple, are now vibrant with their new colorful foliage.

Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' in the Royce Garden

In the Royce Garden are the vibrant blooms of the Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' along with other varieties of rhododendron, azaleas, dogwoods, Andromeda, groundcovers and other woodland plantings.

Spring Flowering Trees in the New Pinetum

A variety of spring blooming trees including Flowering Crabapple, Cherry and Redbud can be seen bursting with color throughout the grounds.

Spring Views of The New Pinetum

The New Pinetum offers a vast variety of both evergreen and flowering trees including Persian Ironwood, Fragrant Snowbell, Golden Dawn Redwood and rare collections of pine, fir and spruce and cedar.

The Four Season Garden

A favorite of mine is the Four Season Garden Walk, which lives up to its name, with something to offer in every season. Designed in 2011, this mixed border offers an assortment of mature conifers, flowering trees and shrubs and perennials. 

The Four Season Garden

Candytuft (Iberia sempervirens)

The Iberia (Candytuft) along the walkway especially stands out this time of year.

Fragrant Viburnum 'Carlesii'

For some lovely fragrance, Viburnum carlesii cannot be beat!

Eastern Redbud in the Woodland Garden

Eastern Redbud and Fothergilla (Bottlebrush) blooms are also a delight in springtime. Eastern Redbud is a northeastern native, whole Fothergilla is native to the southeast. Each are widely used in native gardens.

Fothergilla (Fothergilla x intermedia 'Mount Airy')

Dwarf Conifer Garden

A well known garden to the arboretum is the Dwarf Conifer Garden. It was donated by the Rezek family in 2018 in honor of Long Islander and horticultural pioneer Ed Rezek. The collection consists mainly of unusual dwarf conifers along with Japanese Maple and flowering shrubs and perennials such as Heather, Japanese Forest Grass and Sedum. Some of the selections in the garden include Dwarf Norway spruce, Dwarf Blue Spruce, Dwarf Cryptomeria, Golden Hinoki Cypress, Hinoki Cypress 'Compacta', Juniperus 'Gold Strike', Mugo Pine and Japanese Garden Juniper.

Dwarf Conifer Garden

Dwarf Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’)

Another lovely sight are the bell-shaped white blooms of Dwarf Japanese Andromeda 'Cavatine' and the glorious blooms of  Yellow Magnolia.

Yellow Flowering Magnolia 'Judy Zuk' in the Pinetum Extension

Magnolia 'Judy Zuk' Spring Blooms

Westbrook Walled Garden

Last but not least is the lovely Westbrook Walled Garden planted in 2014, and this statue which was dedicated to the trustee and lifetime friend of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Charles D. Webster. It is a comfortable place to sit and relax after walking the gardens.

Tulips in the Westbrook Walled Garden

Here you can wind up the day by viewing more tulips, Japanese Forest Grass, Hosta, Coral Bells, Dwarf Conifers and various flowering shrubs, all which are a delight to the senses!

More Views of the Westbrook Walled Garden

I hope you enjoyed our spring stroll around the beautiful Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park. Thank for for stopping by for This Month in the Garden and do be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures!

For Gardening Information and Inspiration, Visit my Author Page & Books!

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

and my newest addition, Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2023. All rights reserved. 

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up May 2021: Bring on Those Blooms!

Welcome to my May Garden!

The long awaited month of May, when the garden comes to life with blooms and color everywhere, has finally arrived. After a cold and snowy winter and cool spring, May brings temperatures in the mid-60's to low 70's, which is perfect for designing and working in the garden. After a long day at work, I unwind by taking a walk in the garden to see what is blooming. Come join me in my Long Island garden for a Bloom Day stroll!

Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist'

The first stop is 'Lavender Twist' Weeping Redbud which I planted last summer in the front garden bed. The beautiful blooms are such a joy to see in early spring, followed by its lovely heart-shaped foliage, which provides interest throughout the rest of the season. 'Lavender Twist' is great for smaller spaces, growing to 5-6 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide, and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Back Island Bed

In the back island bed is a combination of evergreens Hinoki gracilis compacta (dwarf  Hinoki Cypress), and Mugo Pine with perennials Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Palace Purple' and Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'. 

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'

The Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' really announces the month of May with its vibrant purple blooms.

Fragrant Snowball Viburnum  (Viburnum carlcephalum)

Here is a glimpse of Viburnum, which is just finishing its highly fragrant blooms in the back garden.

Evergreen and Perennial Border

In the evergreen and perennial border is Salvia Nemorosa 'May Night' to bring in the month of May (as the name implies!) Along with purple Salvia is Peony 'Karl Rosenfeld' (getting ready to bloom), Osmanthus (False Holly), Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and an assortment of Heuchera 'Caramel' and 'Palace Purple'.

Kwanzan Cherry

One of my most favorite of spring blooms is the blooms of Kwanzan Cherry. This tree, just planted a few years back, gets better every year with its profusion of soft pink blossoms.

Girard's Azalea

Springtime means the Azaleas are blooming. The Girard's Crimson variety shines displays its colorful blooms to brighten the back shade garden.

Back Pool Garden

Along with Azalea are Rhododendron buds forming for the next round of blooms and Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) to add some golden color.

Colorful Combo

Another favorite spring combo is the foliage of Heuchera 'Caramel' and Sedum 'Brilliant' with the blooms of Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'. The foliage of Heuchera and Sedum will be followed up with blooms later in the season.

Helleborous 'Dark & Handsome'

I cannot believe the Hellebores are still blooming way into May! They just produced another full round of new foliage and more blooms, which seems to be a longer bloom time than ever before.

Helleborous 'Dark and Handsome'

This variety 'Dark and Handsome' from the Wedding Party Collection is the later blooming of  Helleborous with its dramatic purple-black blooms. Helleborous was actually the motivation behind my latest book, as I start the month of January with the amazing blooms of Helleborous 'Shooting Star'. I just cannot get enough of this magnificent perennial, which keeps on giving!

Sedum Mix

A new addition to the pool garden is this Sedum collection that called to me at the nursery. I added it to the pinkish-burgundy Sedum 'Dragons' Blood and golden Sedum 'Aurea' that was already there to give the collection a new punch! I love the uniqueness of all the different varieties of Sedum mixed together.

Garden Gal

The Sedum collection borders Garden Gal with Azalea 'Girards Fuschia' in the backdrop.

Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce

In the pool garden, the golden foliage of Skylands Oriental Spruce is surrounded by Azalea blooms.

Weeping Norway Spruce Foliage and Seed Cone

Weeping Norway Spruce is producing its interesting seed cones this time of year...

Skip Laurel Flowering

and Skip Laurel is displaying its soft white blooms for the month of May.

Allium 'Globemaster' Budding

The 'Globemaster' Allium is getting ready to display their huge lavender-purple blooms in late May to early June and I can't wait! Daylily 'Stella D Oro', Spirea 'Limemound' and Weeping Japanese Maple 'Red Select' are in the backdrop.

Foliage Combo Back Island Bed

As you know, I love combing foliage. Here is Mugo Pine (left), 'Palace Purple' Coral Bells (right) and Variegated Weigela (middle). Hinoki Cypress 'Compacta' is in the background.

Mandevilla

I have found the perfect Mandevilla to place by the entry to the back patio. This year I chose this bright red variety which will bring joy all summer long and hopefully attract the hummingbirds like it has in the past!

Bring on Those Tulips!

Last, but not least, are my neighbor's tulips, which I admire every day as I pass them by. The lady next door, who's gardens were my inspiration while growing up, is now in her later 80's, and continues to add tulips to her driveway border each year. They just have a way of brightening my day, so I hope they brighten yours too!

Thank you for Visiting!

Thank you for visiting my May garden. As always, I enjoy hearing from you and seeing what's growing in your neck of the woods! Special thanks go out to our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. Also, special thanks to Pam Penick at Digging who has hosted Foliage Follow-Up for all these years, a meme I will still continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party every other Monday with Everyday Living. I am also happy to join the Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. 

Visit My Author Page and Books

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations 

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener...and 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

As Always...Happy Gardening! 😊

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2021. All rights reserved.

 

This Month's Color in the Garden: December 2016-The Power of Red in the Landscape

The Power of Red in the Garden Clockwise Left to Right: Dahlia, Landscape Architectural Element, Dahlia, Winterberry and Knock Out Rose (center)

In landscape design and architecture, the color red tends to dominate when compared to other colors. Red tends to make a strong, dramatic statement and creates an illusion of boldness and depth. Red can be used to brighten a space in all seasons, including winter, with the incorporation of architectural elements or perhaps some berry producing shrubs in the garden against a white snowy background. Red foliage creates striking contrast in spring throughout fall, and red flowers, especially tubular-shaped ones, are an attraction to hummingbirds and other pollinators. The color red will have a lot more impact in your garden when used sparingly, and is nicely complemented by the the color green, which is considered neutral.

Nandina domestica berries

Examples of red blooms in the landscape include Red Knock Out Rose, Tulips, Peony, Zinnia, Dahlia and Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower). Red berry producing plants include Nandina domestica, Winterberry, Holly, Skimmia and some varieties of viburnum. Plants exhibiting red or maroon foliage include Heuchera ‘Palace Purple' (Coral Bells), Weigela Spilled Wine, and annuals such as Coleus, Impatiens and Begonia. The most prominent red in the garden that keeps coming to mind is that of the traditional red rose.

Red Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Roses have been grown throughout civilization and are a timeless tradition, speaking the language of love, beauty, courage and respect. Historical evidence shows they were grown in China about 5,000 years ago, and have carried their special meaning ever since. A deep red rose can be used to convey heartfelt regret and sorrow. or twelve red roses conveys "Be mine" and "I love you. The red rose began its history during Greek and Roman times, where it was tied to Aphrodite, or Venus, the mythical goddess of love, who was often seen with roses around her head and covering her feet and neck. The red rose throughout time has symbolized an immortal love that could never fade, even through time or death. In early Christianity, the rose became associated with the virtue of Virgin Mary and in the Tarot it has been considered a symbol of balance, promise, new beginnings, and hope. In Shakespeare's writings, roses had become a poetic standard throughout his works. Throughout its history, the red rose continues to hold its status as the ultimate symbol of affection. Other flowers and their meanings include red Amaryllis, a statement of splendid beauty and pride, red aster which symbolizes patience, Anthurium symbolizing happiness and hospitality and poinsettia symbolizing good cheer and success. 

Architectural Elements Old Westbury Mansion Long Island

In landscape architecture the color red is often used to draw attention or create a focal point, as in the use of red brick for walkways, labyrinths, benches or perhaps some red Adirondack chairs to highlight a sitting area. Estate gardens are known for their mass plantings of red tulips, dahlias and rose covered arbors. In color theory, red tends to make a space look smaller and can be used to make a large space seem more intimate. Red brick also brings to mind thoughts of mansions from colonial time, and can be implemented in modern day to create an old world feel. 

Clockwise Left to Right: Red Knock Out Rose, Dahlia, Tulips, Nandina 'domestica', Amaryllis (center)

Do you have any design or architectural elements in your space that are red and if you do, when and where are they most prominent? I invite you to share whatever shades of red you have going on in your garden in the comments below, whether it be in the form of plants or otherwise. I hope you enjoyed "This Month's Color in the Garden". I'm already thinking about next month's theme, which is the color white! Next up is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th. and Color Our World Round Up on the 30th. 

For more on Garden Design-My Books on Amazon:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening
Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.