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The Wild Crabapple -
A Tree to Celebrate
| | Every tree at Bayard Cutting Arboretum is worth celebrating for a host of its’ own unique reasons but Malus sylvestris (The wild European Crabapple, U-CF23) is often overlooked because of its remote location on the fringe of our CSA Farm. This year’s annual gala will be held at the farm on August 9th and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to bring attention to this special tree. | | |
Most of us know the apple tree (genus Malus) for the culinary apple tree or the ornamental crabapple tree. There are over 50 species from all over the world. Since humans first set eyes on the apple, the genetics have been mixed and matched to produce every possible trait; taste, size, flower, leaf color, leaf shape, and disease resistance to name a few. As a student, I spent a year at Cornell Orchards Lab, studying sugar content and post harvest life among different cultivars. The Arnold Arboretum estimates there are over 7,500 cultivars. It may be the widest bred tree on the planet. For this reason, it is often difficult to track the exact parentage of a particular apple tree. In the case of Malus sylvestris, extensive crossing with the domesticated apple has caused it to become threatened in its native habitat, making it that much more important for institutions like Bayard Cutting Arboretum to preserve the genetics.
| | Our specimen is an original accession of Westbrook. It was planted in the 1930s in proximity to what was the dairy farm and what now is our CSA farm. This tree could not be more wild; its growth pattern is unbalanced with uneven branching, it often has apple rust or apple scab and it is prone to spider mites. Also, did I mention that the fruit is extremely tart? | | However, in all its wild glory, this tree has found a perfect home at Bayard Cutting Arboretum and we will do everything we can to preserve that. In vicinity to the CSA farm and the Arboretum’s beehives, the tree’s fragrant flowers attract a host of pollinators early in the season when there is not much else in bloom. The canopy of this tree is magnificent, providing the perfect place for shade at the edge of the full sun farm. My favorite attribute is the deeply textured bark with vertical fissures which is only present on aged specimens. | | |
As we celebrate the wild crabapple, I would like to invite everyone reading this to join us at our 11th Annual Fundraising Gala to celebrate everything Bayard Cutting Arboretum does for you; whether it is tree conservation, the arts, education programming, CSA Farm, historic preservation, or simply providing “an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure , rest, and refreshment, of those who delight in outdoor beauty”.
This is the Arboretum’s primary fundraiser of the year, which we rely on to continue the work that we do. Proceeds from this year’s event will support our upcoming shoreline restoration project, Manor House Dining Room restoration work, and ongoing education programs.
In an effort to celebrate “all things Bayard Cutting Arboretum” and to highlight areas of the Arboretum that many people may not be familiar with, this year’s event will take place at our CSA Farm.
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Fields & Flavors at the Farm: Bayard Cutting Arboretum’s
11th Annual Fundraising Gala
August 9th at 6 PM at Bayard Cutting Arboretum
(Please note parking will be available in the Cow Field bordering the CSA Farm)
Event guests will enjoy a very special evening journey through the CSA Farm. Tents located throughout the farm will feature community sponsored tastings, all including different harvests from the Bayard Cutting Arboretum CSA Farm.
Event Highlights include:
Cornell Cooperative Extension Local F.I.S.H. Program
Ceviche Preparation and Demonstration (Bayard Cutting Arboretum Tomatoes)
Snapper Inn
Raw Bar (Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horseradish)
Brunch Sayville
Focaccia Bread and Pastries (Bayard Cutting Arboretum herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers)
Charcuterie
(Bayard Cutting Arboretum Greens and Honey)
Elia Panzarella, Botanical Mixologist
Botanical Cocktail and Mocktail Bar (Bayard Cutting Arboretum botanicals)
Suhru & Lieb Vineyard
Rosé wine
Peconic Bay Vineyard
Malbec wine
Blue Point Brewing Company
Beer
The Tea & Spice Exchange of Patchogue
Iced Tea
The Jazz Loft
Jazz duo performance
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Thank you for your continued support and please don’t forget to visit the wild crabapple tree!
Kevin Wiecks
Director
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
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CSA Farm-Grown Cut
Flowers Available
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Farmer Mike, alongside staff and volunteers, has worked hard to bring you fresh-cut, spray-free, and dye-free flowers from the Arboretum's CSA Farm.
These specialty blooms are perfect for brightening your home or gifting to a friend or loved one. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick out your bunch and bring a little farm-grown beauty home!
The Visitor Center is open 9AM-4PM Tuesdays thru Thursdays and 9AM-5PM Fridays thru Sunday.
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A shady tree next to the CSA Farm where children can read a story!
Brenna McClellan, Horticulture Intern
| | September Concert - Jack's Waterfall Live Band | | |
Jack's Waterfall Live Band - Blues, Jazz, Pop, Country & Folk
Sunday, September 14, 2025 - 1pm to 3:30pm
Lower Carriage House, Outdoors
Bring a Chair or Blanket
Rain Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 - 1pm to 3:30pm
Sponsored By Great River Community Association
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Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us. Typically the first Saturday of the month!
Saturday, August 2 - 10:30AM to 12:30PM
Fee: $45 per person.
Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors. Register here!
| | Find More Educational Programs on our Website! | | Help Support Bayard Cutting Arboretum | |
Tax deductible donations can also be made by check payable to
Natural Heritage Trust and mailed to
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, PO Box 907, Great River, NY 11739
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