This Month in the Garden: Summer at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park-A Virtual Tour

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park

Come along on a summertime virtual tour of Bayard Cutting Arboretum, a beautiful 691 acre state park  located on the south shore of Long Island, New York, about 50 miles east of New York City and bordering the Connetquot River. The park includes numerous theme gardens and continues to evolve yearly as new species of rare and unusual plants are donated. Bayard Cutting Arboretum is also the home of one of the most extensive conifer collections in the region, housing over 1600 specimens. 

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park Manor House

The landscape architectural firm of Frederick Law Olmsted designed the grounds for William Bayard Cutting, attorney, financier, real estate developer, sugar beet refiner and philanthropist in 1886. The 68 room mansion, called Westbrook, was designed by architect Charles C. Haight for William, his wife and four children as a summer home. After William's death, the mansion and grounds were donated by Olivia Cutting and daughter in memory of William to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which declared the land as a state park in 1912.

Dwarf Conifer Garden

Alongside the mansion is the Dwarf Conifer Garden, with an assortment of evergreens including Dwarf Norway Spruce, Hinoki Cypress, Mugo Pine and rare selections such as Weeping Arizona Cypress and Gold Rush Dawn Redwood. The collection displays a huge diversity of conifers that have been sourced from across the country. Many native species such as Eastern Red Cedar, Pitch Pine, Eastern White Pine and Bald Cypress also reside in the gardens.

New Pinetum: Lilac Tree

There are many paths to take leading to the various collections. Along the New Pinetum, the Lilac tree is in bloom...

River Walk

and the River Walk along the Connetquot  River is so relaxing, especially when there is a gentle breeze.

Conifer Garden

Always an amazing sight are the enormous seed cones on Norway Spruce during the summer months. The female cones are red, while the male ones are brown.

Woodland Garden

For a relaxing walk, stroll down the paths of the Woodland garden and travel the wooden bridge over a babbling brook. There you can explore giant Hosta and ferns, which are indeed happy in their environment.

Woodland Garden

Here is another view.

Woodland Garden: Liquidambar styraciflua 'Variegata' (Variegated Sweet Gum)

On the path, one will come across this glorious Variegated Sweet Gum, which displays leaves that look almost prehistoric in nature.

Woodland Garden-Hosta Curly Fries

Hosta 'Curly Fries' lives up to its name with crinkled narrow golden foliage. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, it stays small at just about six inches tall by sixteen inches wide.

Woodland Garden

In the woodland garden is a combination of Hellebores, Hosta and Astilbe, with ferns in the backdrop.

Woodland Garden

More ferns along with golden Hosta also make for a nice look!

Woodland Garden: Calla Lily

Here is White Giant Calla Lily, which is being grown in the woodland garden. It is borderline here (hardy in USDA zones 7-9), but can be possibly overwintered in a sheltered area. At three feet high by wide, its blooms are gorgeous! In cooler climates, these rhizomes can be easily dug up and stored in dry peat moss. Keep in a dry, dark location that is no cooler than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Woodland Garden

This groundcover really caught my eye and I had not been familiar with it. It is called Houttuynia, also known as fish mint, rainbow plant or chameleon plant and although it is pretty, it is an aggressive groundcover and should be used carefully! It is hardy in USDA zones 4-10, prefers medium to wet soil and produces these showy flowers in summer.  

Mahonia (Oregon Grape Holly)

Welcome to the Holly Walk and view various types of holly, including Oregon Grape Holly, Nellie Stevens Holly, Steeds Holly, and Winter Bounty among others.

Holly Walk

Coming around the Holly Walk, you will come across this more formal garden with manicured circular yew hedges... 

Holly Walk

and blooms of Nepeta and Coreopsis.

Southern Magnolia

This Southern Magnolia is gorgeous when all in bloom and the huge flowers are all so fragrant!

Four Season Garden

Last, but not at all least, is the Four Season Garden, which happens to be my favorite! An accumulation of plants perfectly positioned along a winding path provide blooms and interest for every season of the year. There are benches along the way for stopping and taking in the view.

Four Season Garden

This garden is simply so inviting...and constantly changing.

Four Season Garden

On the way out, a surprise was to be seen. An Osprey's nest along with Osprey overlooked the park as it appeared way up high on the mansion's chimney. It is so nice to see this protected species thriving here on Long Island.

Osprey Nest

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden and tour of Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Bayard operating hours are 9-5 Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays and winter holidays. For some views of Bayard in the fall, visit Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park Autumn. To visit their website, go to Bayard Cutting Arboretum. 

 For gardening information visit: My Author Page and Books

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations 

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden. 

As Always...Happy Gardening!😊

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2022. All rights reserved. 

This Month's Color in the Garden: January 2017-White for Moon Garden

White Flowers for Moon Garden 

The color white is considered neutral in the garden and often radiates a sense of peace, romance and elegance. White blooms and foliage offer contrast in the daytime garden and make other colors "pop", but as darkness approaches they take on yet another role. Plants with white blooms or silvery-white foliage have a tendency to become more prominent during the early dawn and evening hours, and have become quite popular in the design of moon, or night gardens. Moon gardens are designed with plants whose foliage and blooms cause them to stand out at night and can be planned to create a peaceful oasis. Many night-blooming plants, such as Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) have blooms that are white and extremely fragrant, while some blooms, such as petunia, release their fragrance at night. When using foliage plants such as such as Stachys (Lamb's Ear), Dusty Miller or Artemeisia in a moon garden, their silvery-white leaves appears to "glow" in the moonlight.

Moon gate Blithewood Mansion Rhode Island

Hardscape elements can also be added to highlight a moon garden. This rounded structure is known as a moon gate, named for its shape, but would look lovely as an entrance to your night time garden. White gravel paths and lighting can also enhance your space for viewing in darkness. When it comes to selecting plants, Spring blooming flowers with white blooms include Allium 'Mount Everest', Crocus, Hyacinth, Tulip, Lilly of the Valley, Candytuft and Snowdrops. Summer blooming white blooms include Cerastium tomentosum (Snow in Summer), Astilbe 'Visions White', Aruncus (Goat's Beard) and Oriental Lily Cassablanca. Late summer blooms include Dahlia, Montauk Daisy, Echinacea 'White Swan' and Clematis 'Sweet Autumn'. Shrubs with beautiful white blooms include Azalea 'Autumn Angel', Hydrangea 'Pee Gee', 'Limelight', 'Annabelle' and 'Blushing Bride', Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake' and Butterfly Bush 'White Profusion'. For silvery-white to white foliage try Dusty Miller, Lamb's Ear, Artemeisia or variegated plants such as 'Patriot' Hosta, with green and white variegated leaves. There are numerous plants to choose from. Here are some suggested plants with their descriptions. 

Allium Mount Everest Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, N.Y. 
Plant Type: Bulb, Perennial

Hardiness Zones:  5-9

Height: 3-4' Tall

Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring

White Crocus Jeanne D'Arc 

Plant Type: Bulb, Perennial 
Hardiness Zones: 3-8 
Height: 4-6" Tall 
Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring

Cerastium tomentosum (Snow in Summer) 

Plant Type: Perennial 
Hardiness Zone: 3-7 
Height: 4-8" Tall 
Lighting:  Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring-Early Summer

Aruncus dioicus (Goat's Beard)

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones:  3-7

Height: 4-6' Tall

Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade

Bloom Time: Early-Mid SummerOriental Lilly Casablanca

Plant Type: Bulb, Perennial 

Hardiness Zones:  4-9

Height: 3-4' Tall

Lighting: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Mid-Late SummerDahlia Garden Planting Fields Arboretum Long Island, N.Y.

Plant Type: Bulb (Variety: Brookside Snowball)

Hardiness Zones:  8-10

Height: 4-6' Tall

Lighting: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Late Summer

Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Montauk Daisy)

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones:  5-9

Height: 24-36" Tall

Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade

Bloom Time: Late Summer-Fall

Hosta 'Patriot'

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones:  4-8

Height: 14-24" Tall
Lighting: Part-Full Shade

Bloom Time: Mid-Summer (Light Lavender Flowers)

Dusty Miller

Plant Type: Annual

Hardiness Zones:  8-10

Height: 12-24" Tall

Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade

Bloom Time: None-Foliage Silvery-White

Stachys (Lamb's Ear)

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Height: 8-12" Tall

Lighting:  Full Sun-Part Shade 

Bloom Time: Early Summer (Purplish-Pink Blooms)

 Summer Snowflake Viburnum

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Hardiness Zones:  5-8
Height: 6-8' Tall
Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring-Summer

 Annabelle Hydrangea

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Hardiness Zones:  4-9
Height: 3-5' Tall
Lighting: Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring-Fall

Pee Gee Hydrangea

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Hardiness Zones:  3-8 
Height: 10-25' Tall 
Lighting:  Full Sun-Part Shade
  Bloom Time:  Mid-Late Summer

Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, N.Y, Springtime White Azalea Blooms

Any combination of plants with the characteristics discussed can be used to help plan your moon garden and bring another dimension to your space. I hope you enjoyed This Month's Color in the Garden. Next up is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th. and Color Our World Round Up on the 30th.

Have you read my book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9, covering plants hardy in a range of zones from 3-9 and gardening techniques? Learn about landscape design principles, butterfly gardening, deer resistant plants, long blooming perennials, globe and weeping evergreens, flowering trees and shrubs, native plantings, shade gardening and more.  Come along on my journey into the world of gardening! To check out the preview at Amazon, simply click on the image or links for details! Also, watch for my second book, soon to be officially announced!

It's official as of January 13th! Read about the launching of my new book: Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening! 

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

This Month's Color in the Garden: December 2016-The Power of Red in the Landscape

The Power of Red in the Garden Clockwise Left to Right: Dahlia, Landscape Architectural Element, Dahlia, Winterberry and Knock Out Rose (center)

In landscape design and architecture, the color red tends to dominate when compared to other colors. Red tends to make a strong, dramatic statement and creates an illusion of boldness and depth. Red can be used to brighten a space in all seasons, including winter, with the incorporation of architectural elements or perhaps some berry producing shrubs in the garden against a white snowy background. Red foliage creates striking contrast in spring throughout fall, and red flowers, especially tubular-shaped ones, are an attraction to hummingbirds and other pollinators. The color red will have a lot more impact in your garden when used sparingly, and is nicely complemented by the the color green, which is considered neutral.

Nandina domestica berries

Examples of red blooms in the landscape include Red Knock Out Rose, Tulips, Peony, Zinnia, Dahlia and Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower). Red berry producing plants include Nandina domestica, Winterberry, Holly, Skimmia and some varieties of viburnum. Plants exhibiting red or maroon foliage include Heuchera ‘Palace Purple' (Coral Bells), Weigela Spilled Wine, and annuals such as Coleus, Impatiens and Begonia. The most prominent red in the garden that keeps coming to mind is that of the traditional red rose.

Red Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Roses have been grown throughout civilization and are a timeless tradition, speaking the language of love, beauty, courage and respect. Historical evidence shows they were grown in China about 5,000 years ago, and have carried their special meaning ever since. A deep red rose can be used to convey heartfelt regret and sorrow. or twelve red roses conveys "Be mine" and "I love you. The red rose began its history during Greek and Roman times, where it was tied to Aphrodite, or Venus, the mythical goddess of love, who was often seen with roses around her head and covering her feet and neck. The red rose throughout time has symbolized an immortal love that could never fade, even through time or death. In early Christianity, the rose became associated with the virtue of Virgin Mary and in the Tarot it has been considered a symbol of balance, promise, new beginnings, and hope. In Shakespeare's writings, roses had become a poetic standard throughout his works. Throughout its history, the red rose continues to hold its status as the ultimate symbol of affection. Other flowers and their meanings include red Amaryllis, a statement of splendid beauty and pride, red aster which symbolizes patience, Anthurium symbolizing happiness and hospitality and poinsettia symbolizing good cheer and success. 

Architectural Elements Old Westbury Mansion Long Island

In landscape architecture the color red is often used to draw attention or create a focal point, as in the use of red brick for walkways, labyrinths, benches or perhaps some red Adirondack chairs to highlight a sitting area. Estate gardens are known for their mass plantings of red tulips, dahlias and rose covered arbors. In color theory, red tends to make a space look smaller and can be used to make a large space seem more intimate. Red brick also brings to mind thoughts of mansions from colonial time, and can be implemented in modern day to create an old world feel. 

Clockwise Left to Right: Red Knock Out Rose, Dahlia, Tulips, Nandina 'domestica', Amaryllis (center)

Do you have any design or architectural elements in your space that are red and if you do, when and where are they most prominent? I invite you to share whatever shades of red you have going on in your garden in the comments below, whether it be in the form of plants or otherwise. I hope you enjoyed "This Month's Color in the Garden". I'm already thinking about next month's theme, which is the color white! Next up is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th. and Color Our World Round Up on the 30th. 

For more on Garden Design-My Books on Amazon:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening
Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.

Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island

Old Westbury Gardens

This past autumn I had the pleasure of spending a day at the beautiful Old Westbury Gardens, located in Old Westbury, on the north shore of Long Island.  Every visit is just as amazing as the last with garden walks, individual garden rooms and natural woodland paths.  The 1900's Charles II-style mansion and former home of the Phipps family beholds a wealth of local history and is complemented by the meticulously groomed grounds it is located on. The gardens change seasonally, always supplying something new to experience and appreciate.

Old Westbury Gardens 1900's Mansion (Marble, Brick and Wrought Iron with Gold Foil Trim)

Rose Arbor and Walk

Heading towards the gardens, a brick path surrounded by a natural arbor with intertwining climbing roses and clematis leads the way to the rose garden.  

Old Westbury Rose Garden

 Brick pathways and Boxwood hedges surround tea roses which are still in bloom going into October.

Old Westbury Rose Garden (Tea Rose)

One of my favorite times of year to visit the gardens is at the end of September/beginning of October when the Dahlia garden is at its peak.  Here are a couple of the many varieties of Dahlia that are present at Old Westbury and maintained by the Dahlia Society and community volunteers.

Dahlia Garden (Dahlia Barbarry Ideal)

Dahlia Garden (Dahlia Aitara Caress)

Thatched Cottage Old Westbury

This charming Thatched Cottage was constructed for the Phipps youngest daughter as a playhouse with gardens surrounding it of many blooms. Bright yellow Helianthus angustifolius (Narrow Leaf Sunflower) can be seen at this time of year.

Scenic Bridge

Autumn is a nice time of year to take in a view of the lake by crossing over the bridge  to the other side.

Lake Trail Old Westbury

Temple of Love Old Westbury

Once you get to the other side be sure to stop by the romantic Temple of Love, a marble and wrought iron gazebo overlooking the pond. If you look closely you can see the reflection of the mansion in the distance.

Fall Foliage 

Fall Blooming Crocus

Along the woodland Lake Trail, a variety of plants can be seen including these Fall Crocus, fully in bloom for the months of September through October.

Beech Tree Old Westbury Grounds

Old Westbury Wall Garden Lotus Pond

Following the path back around you will encounter the magnificent Walled Garden with wrought iron gazebos and evergreens for structure, a beautiful lotus pond and an abundance of every kind of bloom you can imagine.  The gardens are carefully planned with a constant and ever changing sequence of color. 

Old Westbury Walled Garden Autumn

Lotus Flower

Beauty on land and in water.

Old Westbury Walled Garden Gazebo

Autumn Blooms Old Westbury Gardens (Purple Asters)

Around this bend are colorful mass plantings of Solidago, Asters, Dahlias, Chrysanthemum, Heleniums, Salvias, Snakeroot and more...true beauty highlighting the Walled Garden in autumn.

Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens-Solidago 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod)

Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens

Japanese Lily

This was an interesting bloom so I just had to photograph. The marker in front of it identified it as a Japanese Lily. It looks somewhat like a cross between a hibiscus and a poppy and I have not seen it anywhere before.  I enjoy running across species I am not familiar with so it's always a learning experience at the gardens.

Old Westbury Gardens

Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens

If you are looking for a relaxing day strolling through colorful gardens with a little local history thrown in, then Old Westbury Gardens could be the place for you.  The estate has something to offer for every time of year, including gardening lectures, musical entertainment and holiday events. It's a bit chilly here on Long Island right now but if you check out their calendar there may be an event to experience...or just put it onto your list for next spring! I hope you enjoyed the virtual visit!

For more information on operating hours and upcoming events visit their website at 
 Old Westbury Gardens.

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2015. All rights reserved