In 1848, Dr. Asa Gray wrote in the Preface of his School and Field Botany: "This treatise should teach that the study of botany is not the learning of names and terms, but the acquisition of knowledge and ideas.” I have the pleasure of teaching a class on woody plant identification at Farmingdale State College and I stress to every student that recognizing the common characteristics of trees is far more important than memorizing names. Every student is ultimately responsible for learning botanical terms and the Latin names of plants, but it is the curious botanical characteristics that peek our interest and lay the foundation for everything we learn afterwards.

Winter is my favorite time for “the acquisition of ideas and knowledge” at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. The landscape is pared down to its most simple elements. It is the perfect opportunity for us to look a little closer at the trees around us and observe the mysterious wonders of the natural world.

My eye always goes to foliage. First, we observe our evergreens, which retain their foliage through the winter. Conifers have adapted to survive cold temperatures through waxy, needle like leaves which minimize surface area and help prevent moisture loss. Deciduous trees drop their foliage as the tree goes dormant to retain water and other nutrients. However, some trees hold on to their dead, dried leaves until spring. This phenomenon is known as marcescence, and it can be observed in beech, hornbeam, and oak trees. The peculiar event is not common in the plant world and its purpose remains a botanical mystery. Some forest ecologists theorize that the late spring leaf drop provides a fresh layer leaf mulch for species that need it the most at that time of year. I often observe that the lower branches of some oak species hold there leaves longer than leaves in the canopy. Some believe that this deters browsing by deer who prefer feeding on tender, young buds. In Oak Park we can observe that this is more common on certain species of oaks compared to others (1966-A70).

Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea)

Marcescent leaves of white oak (Quercus alba)

The historic beech hedge (Fagus sylvatica) in the New Pinetum has always been my favorite example of this phenomenon. Together the trees stand firm displaying strong architecture with a sense of permanence. However, the dry, brittle leaves just barely hold on reminding us of the ephemeral nature of our landscape. These trees are best experienced on a winter day as the marcescent leaves rattle in the wind.

Beech hedge (Fagus sylvatica) in New Pinetum

Closeup of marcescent leaves on beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Hornbeam (Carpinus) is another example of this phenomenon. Our very last project of 2023 was the planting of our new parking lot islands, just completed last week. This planting largely consists of hornbeams. These introductions fill a void in our collection. Up until this point, the Arboretum has had little representation of this genus. New, improved cultivars of both the American and European hornbeam were planted. My favorite addition is the mature weeping hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Pendula’). This particular specimen was selected from LaMay Nursery for its unique habit made up of twisting, pendulous branches. Hornbeams are tough trees, tolerant of the most challenging conditions. Pay special attention to the fall foliage. Each cultivar exhibits its own unique progression of color. These recent plantings make this more than a parking lot. It is truly a tree collection for the public to enjoy and learn from.

Weeping Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Pendula')

As the old leaves of 2023 drop and the new leaves of 2024 appear, we remember the past and look forward to the future. The Bayard Cutting Arboretum team has worked tirelessly this year to maintain our “oasis of beauty and quiet” and we continue to endeavor towards the future. The New Year promises collection expansions with new specimen tree plantings, continuation of coastal restoration, Evolution of the American Landscape (our sixth annual horticultural symposium), new educational programming, and most excitingly the opening of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Visitor Center in the Spring.

Thank you for your continued support and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Kevin Wiecks

Director

Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Upper Carriage House

In-person and live streamed. Recorded to watch again.

This year's full-day horticultural symposium will explore the importance of conifers and broadleaf evergreens in our landscape. Registration and more details can be found here!

Join certified forest therapy guide, Linda Lombardo of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a walk to reconnect with the natural world around us.

Fee: $40 per person.

Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothing for walking outdoors. Register here!

Upper Carriage House -- 1PM

The Gift Shop will be open Thursdays to Sundays from 11AM to 4PM thru January 14, 2024. It will then close for winter and reopen March 2, 2024.

Manor House Tours will resume Saturday, March 2, 2024. Ground Tours continue to be offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30AM throughout winter. Call (631) 581-1002 for more details.

Come to the Arboretum to get your 2024 Calendar featuring spectacular landscape photos. Proceeds help support the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society.

Calendars can be purchased at the Welcome Desk in the Manor House (for cash or check) or at the gift shop which takes a credit card.

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