Yao's Yellow:

The Seventh Tree Peony

Tree peonies have long been coveted for their large, ornate flowers born atop woody stems that can sometimes reach up to seven feet tall. They belong to a subgroup of species which are native to Eastern China. The plant was named the national flower of China where it was bestowed the title of “king of flowers” or hua wang over 2000 years ago.

Although the tree peony is an extremely long-lived plant, sometimes up to one hundred years old, the flowers are fragile and the bloom time is short. This makes it that much more of a special occasion to see these breathtaking flowers at peak bloom, which normally happens in mid-May at Bayard Cutting Arboretum.

The tree peony collection at Bayard Cutting Arboretum started in 2018 when Linwood Gardens donated roughly 20 historic specimens to the Arboretum. Linwood

Gardens was once the home of William Gratwick, now a world renowned peony garden open to the public on “Open Garden Days”. Gratwick operated a rare plants nursery and specialized in collecting Japanese Tree peonies, those introduced from China during the eighth century. Gratwick partnered with Dr. A.P. Saunders, Professor at Hamilton College, and Nassos Daphnis, Greek American artist/ horticulturist from NYC to breed what would become some of the most important tree peonies developed in the United States. Most notable would be the yellow varieties, in which Dr. Saunders crossed different species with Paeonia lutea (now var. lutea), the wild yellow tree peony.

Paeonia × suffruticosa 'Renown'

Paeonia × suffruticosa 'Marchioness'

Our tree peony collection began with two beds; one devoted to the plants of Dr. A.P. Saunders and one devoted to the plants of Gratwick and Daphnis. The beds now exemplify the diversity of Japanese tree peony hybrids and the important work done by three pioneers in the world of plant breeding.

In 2020, we were approached by the late Caroline Kiang, to establish a bed of Chinese tree peonies in memory of her mother. Caroline Kiang needs no introduction in the world of LI horticulture. She was a teacher, horticulturist, founder of the Master Gardener program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, and a dear friend of Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Her personal mentorship to me began when she advised me on an independent study when I was a student at Cornell University. Caroline touched the lives of so many people and her legacy can be seen in the many gardens she influenced, including the Chinese tree peony bed at Bayard Cutting Arboretum.

Joy Arden, Arboretum Landscape Curator, worked closely with Caroline to source the perfect specimens for this bed and to translate and print the names in Chinese characters on the plant labels. The original layout of this bed included seven plants. Unfortunately, only six were planted. We could not source the last plant. Nothing fit the requirements and we wanted it to be perfect. Caroline stressed the importance of the number seven and I would later find out that in Chinese culture the number seven symbolizes unity and harmony.

Watercolor painting of "Yao's Yellow" by Zou Yigui, Qing Dynasty

The story does not end there. This winter, Joy Arden sourced tree peony number seven to complete the Caroline Kiang Chinese Tree Peony Garden. Paeonia x suffruticosa ‘Yao Huang’, Yao’s yellow tree peony, is one of the oldest documented Chinese tree peony varieties, dating to the Song Dynasty (tenth to twelfth centuries). I cannot think of a better “number seven” to complete this garden. The Bayard Cutting Arboretum Tree Peony Collection as a whole represents the unity of collaborative institutions, science, cultures, and the special people like Caroline Kiang that made this collection possible.

Do not forget to visit the tree peony collection at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. It is located in the Pinetum Extension and should be in peak bloom by the second week of May. Work in this area continues. We are planning to plant new groundcover and bulbs this season. To support this project in memory of Caroline Kiang, please donate here.

Kevin Wiecks, Director

Spring Introductions

We’ve reached peak spring, which means trees, shrubs, and perennials are finally arriving. This past winter was especially hard on our landscape and tree collections. Deer damage, heavy snow, extended freezing temperatures, and general losses all contributed to significant impacts across the Arboretum. As a result, we needed to source a number of replacements. Finding specific varieties can be challenging, especially since many nurseries faced similar conditions this winter. Because of this, we have three large tree orders coming in from Ohio, Georgia, and Eastern Long Island. The cold weather also delayed planting by a few weeks, which has pushed our overall planting scheduling well into May. Even with the delay, it is always exciting to see new plant material arrive and planted in their new homes.

This spring, we expect to plant more than 75 trees along with a wide range of shrubs and perennials. These plantings bring strong diversity to the collection, with over 70% representing new varieties for the Arboretum. They will be planted throughout the landscape with specific projects in mind. Several of the new introductions are especially exciting. In the Westbrook Wall Garden, we are planting four white-flowering Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis ‘Alba’). The simplicity of white flowers peering behind the brick wall enhances Olmsted’s historic architecture within the garden. Along the Hydrangea Walk, we are introducing a multi-stem Stewartia monadelphia, an uncommon species new to our collection, valued for its exfoliating bark. On the River Walk, we are trialing Schette’s oak (Quercus × schuettei), a hybrid that can tolerate wet conditions and may prove well-suited to an area that regularly experiences extreme coastal flooding and salt exposure.

We are also planting a couple of tribute trees in honor of Caroline Kiang. The first tree is a hybrid pine (Pinus × schwerinii 'Wiethorst') which is a cross between the Himalayan pine and our native Eastern white pine. It combines the best traits of both species with an airy yet smaller habit and soft, silvery-blue needles. The second tree is an Oyama magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii) which is a nod to Caroline’s heritage. The magnolia has delicate white flowers with deep red stamens and will fit nicely in the Pinetum Extension’s magnolia and tree peony collection.

These new introductions reflect both care and intention, restoring what was lost while continuing to grow and evolve the Arboretum’s collections. Each addition plays a role in supporting a sustainable landscape, while also offering new moments of beauty to discover throughout the seasons. We look forward to seeing these plantings establish and encourage visitors to follow their progress as they become part of the Arboretum’s landscape over time.

Joy Arden, Landscape Curator

CSA Farm-Grown Cut

Flowers Available

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! Limited quantities available.

Staff Photo of the Month

A calming view of Breezy Island with trout lilies in bloom.

Jessica O'Callahan, Grounds Supervisor

Upcoming Events

Floral Focus: iPhone Photography Workshop

Your iPhone camera is a remarkably powerful creative tool—simple enough for anyone to use, yet capable of producing images with true artistic vision.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to unlock your phone’s creative potential through both a guided lecture and interactive in-field practice. Topics covered include camera setup, essential photography techniques, and exploring basic photo editing all with a specific focus on floral photography.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Registration Link

Evenings at the Arboretum

Introducing Evenings at the Arboretum, a summer series of Evening Grounds Tours, led by Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticulture Staff and Grounds Docents. These tours will offer an after-hours exploration of selected gardens with a limited group size. A happy hour will follow featuring local wine, beer & chefs accompanied by a musical performance and plein-air artists.

More details coming soon.

2026 Annex Art Exhibit: Rooted in Nature

Rooted in Nature

May 7 – May 31, 2026

Artist Reception May 16, 2026 – 1:00 - 3:00 PM

About the Tri-State Botanical Artists

The Tri-State Botanical Artists (TSBA) of the New York Botanical Garden, is an Artists’ Circle within the American Society of Botanical Artists. The TSBA provides a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art.

We consider botanical art a creative endeavor where “observation,” the cornerstone of our work as artists, enables us to portray our plant subjects accurately and aesthetically in a unique and personal way, combining scientific accuracy and fine art techniques.

BCAHS Plant Sale

Join us for the Annual Benefit Plant Sale at the Lower Carriage House on Saturday, May 30, 2026, and Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 9 AM to 4 PM. We have perennials, annuals, natives, herbs, vegetables, and more!

https://www.bcahortsociety.org/

Forest Bathing Walk

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.

Saturdays

Fee: $45 per person.

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

Farmingdale College Plant Sale

The 2026 Plant Sale will take place May 5 - May 7 (Tuesday through Thursday) from 9am to 5pm each day in parking lot 2 near University Police. The Sale will feature a broad selection of flowers, vegetables, herbs, tropical plants, succulents, perennials, and houseplants. Much of the plant material is grown at the College by students and staff. All fundraiser proceeds benefit Horticulture students and the Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens.

https://www.farmingdale.edu/events/2026/2026-05-05-plant-sale.shtml