February 28, 2022

Fredrick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) was the founder of American landscape architecture. His legacy includes designing the grounds of Central Park, Prospect Park, the U.S. Capitol, Biltmore Estate and Bayard Cutting Arboretum. This year, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birthday by presenting a full-day program focusing on his influence on landscape and garden design.

January and February can often be viewed as the dreariest time of year as many trees are bare and there are no flowers to be seen. We can all get bogged down by the low light and seemingly colorless palette of winter, but if you’re looking carefully, the trees are displaying many aspects of themselves that may not be noticeable other times of the year. Perhaps you finally notice the peeling bark or interesting branch architecture of a tree normally laden with summer foliage; or maybe you finally notice the gorgeous golden leaves of some conifers that can get lost in the visual chaos of peak summer.

I was particularly struck by two this past week, Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’ and Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’. Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’ (sawara cypress) is a slow growing, slightly conical mounding shrub that displays weeping golden threadlike foliage all year long. It is particularly stunning against a dark green backdrop as displayed in the New Pinetum. An Abies koreana (Korean fir) provides the necessary contrast for this large specimen (U-0729) to truly stand out.

In the same bed, we have two specimens of Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’ (hinoki cypress, U-0731, U-0730). This tree is a little faster growing than the sawara cypress, with the possibility of reaching a height of 50 feet and a width of 30ft. The broadly conical habit features sprays of closely pressed leaves that are bright gold at the tips. The inner foliage tends to turn green with age and reduced sunlight creating an illusion of immense depth within the tree. Both trees display the most intense yellow color in full sunlight, but must also be protected from excessively dry and cold winds which will desiccate and brown the foliage.

It’ll be cold and gray for a few weeks more but winter is beautiful too, and there is a lot to be seen at the arboretum if you are looking closely. Now is the time these golden leaved conifers shine the brightest so I urge you to visit them soon and to seek out some of our other yellow conifers among the grounds.

-Jessica O'Callahan, Horticulturist

Did you know the CSA Farm cares for 150 chickens? They happily reside in a coop adjacent to the farm and dahlia garden. With plenty of room to run around and forage, these chickens are as comfortable as can be! Following the CSA Farm’s organic practices, our chicken’s diet consists of organic feed. They also receive delicious produce leftovers throughout the season! Next time you visit, walk down to the farm and meet these pretty ladies.

Our egg-laying chickens are a hybrid cross between a White Rock female and a Rhode Island Red male. Both breeds are well known for their productive egg laying, usually laying well over 200 a year. White Rock chickens are known for their hardiness, especially in colder climates. They typically have a laid-back temperament and very are friendly. Rhode Island Red chickens are the state bird of Rhode Island. They are known to have a fun, curious temperament that makes them very personable. When you visit the chickens, you can attest to them being extremely friendly and amusing. Our farmers have had great success and enjoyment with this hybrid!

The chickens lay beautiful, light brown eggs. Sometimes they have speckles and sometimes you are lucky enough to catch a double yolk! Contrary to popular belief, the shell color is not related to the color of the chicken. A white chicken may not lay a white egg. It is dependent on the chicken’s genetics. The shell color also does not influence the nutritional value of the egg. The chicken’s diet and lifestyle determines the nutritional value and quality.

With 150 chickens, we collect about 10 dozen eggs a day. That is 3,650 dozen a year or 43,800 eggs! We have two incredible volunteers, also known as the “egg ladies,” that help collect and prepare the eggs to be sold. Their dedication allows us to share all these eggs with you! Stop by at the Manor House and purchase fresh, organic eggs. It is $6 a dozen or $10 for two dozen.

-Joy Arden, GIS Specialist

Wintry scene of the beautiful conifers standing tall.

Upcoming Dates: February 5, March 5

Cost per person: $40

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.

The best way to see all that BCA has to offer is to take a “Grounds Tour” that is guided by a friendly and knowledgeable docent. We are offering free tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am. We offer private grounds tours at $10 per person with a minimum of 10 on the tour. We hope to see you and your friends soon!

The Hidden Oak Café will be closed February 1st and will re-open March 5th. The Manor House will remain open for your enjoyment.