The Twisted Tale of Corylus | | Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, otherwise known as Harry Lauder’s walking stick, is a striking specimen tree that is sure to catch the eye while strolling through the arboretum on an autumn day. With its unique twisting branch structure and mounded habit, Corylus avellana seemed to be the natural choice to highlight for October’s newsletter. Native to Asia, Europe, and Africa, it is a member of the birch family (Betulaceae). The leaves of Harry Lauder’s walking stick appear to be folded and warped, further adding to its Tim Burton-esque appearance. | | Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ | | | The common name, Harry Lauder’s walking stick, derives from the Scottish entertainer Sir Harry Lauder who was known to carry a contorted wooden cane reminiscent of the branch structure of Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’. During World War I, Lauder was at the height of his career and assisted in the British war efforts by touring around the UK and recruiting soldiers to join the allied powers. ‘Contorta’ was originally discovered in England in the mid-1800s and received the common name of Harry Lauder sometime in the early 1900s. | |
As the year comes to an end, Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ only becomes more interesting in the landscape. When the leaves drop for the season, the branch structure can truly take center stage. There is something magical about the way the branches bend and curve, creating a thicket reminiscent of a haunted forest. This is further highlighted by the bright yellow catkins that dapple the branches and add a pop of color in the otherwise barren winter landscape.
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This specimen tree requires some careful consideration when pruning. Due to its contorted nature, pruning should only take place when necessary to remove dead or diseased branches. It is crucial to consider the natural habit of the tree and to remember that tree pruning is not a one size fits all activity. If you are interested in learning more about pruning, please join me on October 25th for a hands-on class, The Art and Science of Pruning, where we will discuss the myriad of considerations that are at play when tackling the pruning of a woody plant.
Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ can be found along the border of the Westbrook Wall Garden next to the Manor House (2020-0372).
| | Jenna Zier, Formal Gardener | | Honoring Lynden B. Miller | | |
This summer, the Board of Trustees of Bayard Cutting Arboretum proudly celebrated the remarkable contributions of Lynden B. Miller to our landscape. A distinguished garden designer and passionate advocate for public gardens, Lynden has earned profound respect for her extraordinary designs across renowned spaces, including Central Park, Bryant Park, the New York Botanical Garden, Fort Tryon Park, and the Frick Collection. We have been privileged to feature two exquisite gardens here, masterfully designed by Lynden Miller in collaboration with Ronda Brands. Moreover, Lynden Miller has dedicated nine years as a valued member of our Board of Trustees, enhancing our mission and vision with her unparalleled expertise.
| | In 2012, the Four Season Garden was installed at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Her design acts as a welcomed entrance into the Old Pinetum where Mr. Cutting began his impressive conifer collection in the late 19th century. Set within a stunning backdrop of mature conifers, this double mixed border features a diverse collection of ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs selected for their interesting shapes, textures, and colors. Plants are arranged on either side of an undulating spine of boxwood, zig-zagging through the beds on both sides of the path. This ever-changing display provides beauty and interest all year. | | In 2016, the Conifer Garden was installed to replace an aged shrub collection adjacent to the Manor House. The design features an array of colors and textures to help showcase the beauty of conifers. The collection displays a huge diversity of conifers that were sourced from across the country. A unique variety of heaths and heathers are planted as ribbons through garden beds. Stunning Japanese maples are interplanted throughout the garden to add a pop of color and balance. The garden provides year-around interest regardless of seasons due to the nature of conifers. With Mr. Cutting’s strong interest in conifers, the garden is a natural addition to the Arboretum’s landscape. | |
 | | During my second year, I had the opportunity to work alongside Lynden during the Conifer Garden installation. It was an incredible education in how Lynden approaches design with plant selection and placement. When hundreds of conifers arrived, I saw how specimens were placed due to their unique habit, color, and texture. I distinctly recall Lynden reminding me that every color (green, blue, yellow, and red/purple) should be seen within eyeshot at any moment. I worked with her placing thousands of perennials while learning all about her signature plant palette. Lynden understands the unique nature of public gardens. Her highly regarded book, Parks, Plants, and People: Beautifying the Urban Landscape speaks to the value of such green spaces. Staffing can be limited, budgets are modest, plants are finicky, and the public puts significant pressure on the landscape. Knowing this, she continues to return to the gardens and work with us on edits. Her continued presence and understanding of public gardens is appreciated greatly. I’ve had the honor to work with Lynden for over ten years. Many gardeners have benefited from Lynden's influence, and my experience is just one of many examples. Every visit is an education, an enhancement, and a true pleasure.
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In addition to her designs, Lynden’s role as a trustee means she has guided and supported us with the Visitor Center and other major projects that make us a world class arboretum. With all of Lynden Miller’s contributions, it made sense for the Board of Trustees to proudly display her name in the Four Season Garden. Next time you visit, take notice of the newly installed stone at the entrance of the Four Season Garden underneath the infamous Paperbush.
Joy Arden, Landscape Curator
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Pruning in the air and taking in the view.
Patrick Hein, Assistant Park Manager
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Get ready for our awesome scarecrow display debuting on Friday, October 3rd!
Come enjoy a fun walk through our exciting scarecrow collection, open from 9 AM to 3 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, all month long. Just a quick note - this exhibit is weather dependent due to the sensitive nature of the scarecrows!
For more details, stop by our Visitor Center. You won’t want to miss this festive attraction!
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Come join us for a fun-filled family day and enjoy our parks!
The Friends of Heckscher State Park, Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society, Friends of Connetquot River State Park Preserve, and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference are excited to announce a special event this fall featuring three state parks in Suffolk County: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Bayard Cutting Arboretum, and Heckscher State Park.
These parks form a unique cluster of state parklands situated just a few miles apart, offering over 5,700 acres of diverse outdoor experiences.
For more information about this event - visit https://www.bcahortsociety.org/
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Arboretum Inspirations:
A multi-media exhibit by
Women Sharing Art, Inc.
September 25 to October 19, 2025
Reception – October 5, 2025, 2-4 pm
Women Sharing Art, Inc. proudly presents Arboretum Inspirations, a captivating exhibition that celebrates the profound beauty of the natural world and the ways it inspires artistic creation. Featuring the work of 40 member artists, the exhibit highlights paintings, photography, mixed media, ceramics, glass, mosaics, sculpture, jewelry, and more, all united by a shared reverence for nature’s resilience and splendor.
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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. This month includes a 30 minute sound healing with Phoenix Green!
Saturday, October 4 - 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Fee: $75 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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