The Chinese Paperbush
Chinese paperbush, Edgeworthia chrysantha is a star of the winter landscape. So much so, it has earned itself the prominent placement at the entryway to the Four Season’s Garden at Bayard Cutting Arboretum (U-1396). It demands the attention of every passerby. This perfectly shaped, rounded shrub will not get much bigger than 4’ x 4’ in our region. Although in warmer climates, they double that size. It begins in spring with a flush of dark green tropical like foliage clustered to the end of the branches. Flower buds begin to form in late summer. As winter approaches, the buds swell and the leaves drop to expose smooth cinnamon colored stems. The silver colored pubescent flower buds remain dormant as they patiently dangle from the stems. Come February, the buds burst to expose tiny, tubular yellow flowers. The new spring foliage comes quickly behind the bloom. Belonging to the Daphne family, Thymelaeceae, this plant is deliciously fragrant; making placement near a path a must.
Horticulturally, this plant is undemanding. It is native to the woodlands of China and the Himalayas; doing best in wet, well-drained soil and protected from strong afternoon sun. Maintenance is minimal. Suggested pruning would include removing suckers and slight reduction cuts after blooming to maintain shape. Our paperbush is doing particularly well this year and is filled with buds. The significance of this plant reaches beyond its beauty. It is a peculiar plant that always makes me think “what is it going to do next?”. Not only do I encourage everyone to visit this plant during the month of February, please visit and observe throughout the year.
-Kevin Wiecks, Landscape Curator Photos by Heather Coste
Historical Discoveries
Part of maintaining a tree database is to update each tree profile with newly found information. By reviewing old plant lists, invoices, and historical documents, we can add more to each tree’s profile. We also have a wonderful network of people that share their experiences and expertise.
This January, we had the pleasure of local nurseryman, Robert Schlecht, visit the arboretum. His deep knowledge of the Long Island nursery trade gave us the opportunity to learn about some of our tree sources. Interestingly, we learned our Prostrate Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba ‘Procumbens’ 1974-OP588) in the Old Pinetum was sourced from Joe Cesarini, Long Island nurseryman and conifer developer. This matches our historical records of many specimens sourced from him in the early 1970s. Robert Schlecht was also incredibly helpful in identifying hollies and conifers. It is so exciting to add information to our database and deepen our understanding of the collection.
Our historical records are constantly growing with the age of technology. We have more access to documents, research, as well as other arboretums. Recently, Peter Del Tredici published “Closing the Book on Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock” in the Arnold Arboretum journal, Arnoldia. The article includes forty years of detailed research and an abundance of historical discoveries. The origin of Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Sargentii’), a prominent tree here at the arboretum, has finally been solved. While the source of our 100+ year old hemlocks are still unknown, we can narrow it down to Parson Nursery or the Arnold Arboretum.
We reached out to the Arnold Arboretum for more information. Michael Dosmann, Keeper of the Living Collections, sent us records relating to the Cutting Family. We did not receive any records on the Sargent's Weeping Hemlock, but we did receive historic plant lists. One plant list dated 1922, showed Tsuga sieboldii being sent to Bayard Cutting Arboretum from the Arnold Arboretum. The exact Southern Japanese Hemlock still stands in the heart of the Old Pinetum (1922-OP163). We were so thrilled to add this information to our database! The history of our trees makes the arboretum a magical place to visit. While our database grows, the staff and visitors gain a closer connection to the landscape. Walk around using our tree explorer for more tree details.
-Joy Arden, GIS Specialist
The Cutting Family Legacy
We are heading into the coldest month of the year and I thought this would be a great opportunity for our readers to relax and read a little about the history of Bayard Cutting Arboretum. The arboretum was featured in "Westbrook: A Fine Example of Landscape Architecture Preserved" in Landscape Architecture from 1937. Enjoy these excerpts from the article that I think you will find interesting.
Landscape Architecture Magazine Vol. 28, No. 1 (October, 1937)
Mrs. Bayard James, and her mother Mrs.W. Bayard Cutting have taken steps to assure the continuing existence of a private country residence of great landscape beauty. The Editors believed that presentation of this brief account of Westbrook and the plans for its preservation will carry a helpful suggestion to others who seek a way to perpetuate other notable examples of landscape design.
Mr. Cutting was deeply interested in preserving the natural beauty of Westbrook. The outstanding features of the property are its trees - great Oaks and Tupelos; its interesting marshes and swamp areas; and its innumerable springs and woodland streams. This beauty has been enhanced by careful planting, but the character of the place has not been changed. A characteristic feature of the property is the Oak park, which lies beyond the house and is reminiscent of Knole Park in Kent.
Along the river shore a loamy, sandy soil supports vegetation characteristic of the region. A road following the course of the river has been cut through the woodland, now tunneling through arches of mixed Oak and Pine walled with Clethra, now opening beneath a great tupelo to embrace a marshland vista.This part of the property, maintained and developed with intelligent and sympathetic feeling for its natural character, is one of the most interesting features of Westbrook.
In addition to the preservation of the property in perpetuity as a memorial to William Bayard Cutting, Westbrook is established by wish of its donor as an oasis of beauty and of quiet, and a source of pleasure, rest, and refreshment to those who delight in outdoor beauty. Through its preservation and understanding, on the part of both the general public and those professionally concerned with landscape design, of the value and importance of informal planting, and will thus be an influence in preserving the amenities of our native landscape.
Read the full article with historic photos here.
It has been 84 years since this article was written and the wishes of the Cutting family remain as important today as they were when donating the property to the State of New York in Mr. Cutting’s honor. From Oak Park to the River Walk to the incredible conifer collection, we continue to preserve the family's vision as described in the article. Our staff takes great pride in upholding the standards and legacy left by the Cuttings.
-Lee Kennedy
Staff Photo of the Month
Heather Coste, Horticulturalist
A beautifully captured snowy day overlooking the shelter in the Old Pinetum.
Upcoming Event Wild Heart Nature Connection Walk Dates: Thursday, February 11th at 10:30 am Saturday, March 6th at 10:30 am Saturday, April 3rd at 10:30 am Cost per person: $40 (50% going to BCA Natural Heritage Trust Fund) For more info and to sign up: Wild Heart Nature Connection Attendance is capped at 10. Masks required.
A Wellness Walk is a unique immersion in nature; a connection with the natural world and ourselves. Unlike a hike or a naturalist walk, it’s a time to slow down and get grounded in nature; bringing some peace and quiet to our otherwise busy lives.
The wellness benefits of Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing include: A boosted immune system Lower blood pressure Better sleep/Better mood Improved cognitive function and more!
Linda Lombardo is a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), and a certified Master Naturalist through Quality Parks on Long Island, NY.
Helping Bayard Cutting Arboretum
CONTRIBUTE HERE
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