The Bayard Cutting Arboretum

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society is a volunteer organization based at the Arboretum. BCAHS provides support for the Arboretum in many ways. They have a general meeting once a month, the second Wednesday evening of each month. A guest speaker is invited to discuss a variety of topics each month.

In addition to this the Horticultural Society provides all the volunteer tour guides for visitors to the park. To request a tour one must call the park at 631-581-1002 at least two weeks in advance. Tours are provided for groups only. BCAHS also provides an extensive education program. To receive a brochure, please call the park office. The Horticultural Society sponsors events such as a plant sale and a Fall Harvest Display at the park.

Historical house tours of the Cutting family manor house are now available for a minimum donation of $5.00 per person. Groups are limited in size so advance registration is suggested. Most tours are on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. but there are others scheduled during the holiday season which include weekdays. Call for a complete schedule of dates and times.

Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society’s Education Brochure
Fall and Winter 2008-2009

Come along and join the fun…because we are off to Caramoor, Mohonk, and NYBG -- places we just can’t get enough of so we go again! We have also listened to our members’ requests for more workshops, and we have presented a varied program of new and popular classes. Mail your registration promptly, and please help us by filling out the form completely. Be especially sure to mark your registration form if you want the tour bus to pick you up at LIE Exit 49. Announcements, newsletters, photos and other information can be found on our society's website www.bcahs.net.

Photographic Composition in the Digital Age: An Experiential Workshop
Think artistic, sensual expression—hey, with your camera! This is a two-day workshop, which includes a two-hour class on Friday and continues with a day of in-field instruction and critique on Saturday when we will put what you learned in the class into action with an all day shooting session at the Dahlia Garden.
The Friday class will be approximately two hours with discussion of the Essentials of Light, Compositional Framework, Rule of Thirds, Chinese S, and the more mundane aspects of the photographic process such as F-stop, depth-of-field, ISO, etc. The emphasis will be on digital capture. The expectation is that participants will be somewhat familiar with the controls on their cameras. Eugene will be unable to discuss the specifics of each camera within the context of the class but will attempt to answer general questions about digital cameras, either point and shoot or digital single lens reflex, after the class. As part of this process, please bring at least two photographs with you: one vertical and one horizontal, not more than 8x10 inches. Your photos will be the visual touch points for our discussion.
On Saturday, the outdoor capture session will focus on artistic, horticultural photography and is an experiential exercise. We will meet in the main parking lot and walk slowly down to the Wolkoff Dahlia Garden, experiencing the light and attuning ourselves to the ‘energy’ of the day. Participants should be prepared to shoot early and late with a break for lunch since midday is not an opportune time for photography. Eugene will work with each participant, illustrating what to ‘see’ and how to ‘capture it.’ Participants will be shooting from 10:00 to say 12:00, then break for lunch (bring a bag lunch to eat in the garden or plan to eat lunch on your own), and shooting again from 2:00 until around 4:30, depending on the light.
You will of course need a camera (preferably digital), maybe an extra memory card and/or film, tripod and extra lenses are optional, and a positive attitude ~ required.

Friday, September 5-6
10:00am-12:00pm – upstairs in Carriage House and Saturday, September 6 – 10:00am ‘til we lose the light – outdoors on grounds (Raindate~Sept. 11)
Fee: $ 70 / BCAHS Members $ 65 (includes both days)

Is the idea, let alone the task, of pruning your plants intimidating? Does the thought of cutting your shrub or tree make you nervous? Where should you cut? What time of year is best to prune? If you prune, will you reduce the flowering? What is the best equipment to use for pruning your shrubs? How do you prune opposite versus alternate leaf growth? What is alternate versus opposite leaf growth?
This class will focus on basic pruning techniques. Handouts will be provided to accompany the classroom instruction, and all participants will observe a pruning demonstration in the field. The class is limited to 20 people.

Tuesday, September 9
10:15 am-12:15 pm – upstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 35 / BCAHS Members $ 25

Walter and Lucie Rosen, captivated by Caramoor’s intrinsic beauty and Italianate gardens, purchased the house in 1928. The Museum consists of twenty enchanting rooms, which are open to the public. Here we will find a vast collection of Eastern, Medieval, and Renaissance art and antiques plus entire rooms from European palaces and country homes. The Rosens wished to build their dream home where they could raise their children and devote time to their passions of music and art.
Upon arriving in the picturesque town of Katonah, NY, we will have ample time to visit the small shops and enjoy a light lunch on our own. At 12:15pm, we will re-board the bus for the short ride to Caramoor. We will then tour the grounds on our own, gathering at the main house promptly at 1:30pm for the start of our docent-led house tour. At 3:00pm, we will be served afternoon tea, which will consist of scones, finger sandwiches, and dessert. At 4:30pm, we will depart for home.

Thursday, September 18
7:00am—meet in BCA Parking Lot** (Bus leaves promptly at 7:30am). Approximate return time is 7:00pm. Light refreshment will be served on the bus.
Fee: $ 80 /BCAHS Members $ 70 Includes transportation, admissions, and gratuities.
**Please let us know on your registration form if you would prefer the convenience of having the bus pick you up at 8:00am at the east end of the Park & Ride Lot at LIE Exit 49-North (Rt. 110 exit.) The bus will NOT STOP UNLESS YOU ALERT US ON YOUR REGISTRATION FORM.

4. Winter Container Garden Workshop at Bayport Flower Houses ~ Karl Auwaerter

Back by popular demand! Karl will lead us, in his uniquely entertaining and informative way, through designing our own 14-inch plastic container garden purposefully planted with a variety of winter-hardy plants including several evergreens and accent plants. He will discuss how to care for them to minimize winter stress.
Please dress appropriately for the weather since this workshop is rain or shine. Bring garden gloves and a hat as this workshop may be outside or in a covered—but outdoor— area depending on the weather.
The workshop is limited to 40 people. All materials are included.

Monday, September 22
10:15am-12:15pm--Meet at Bayport Flower Houses at 10:00am
Fee: $ 45 /BCAHS Members $ 40

5. Designing Your Garden with Bulbs ~ Joy Kaminsky, Director, Bayard Cutting Arboretum

After a tough season of keeping your garden alive through the summer drought and dreaded insect infestations, who can think about planning for the next season. But, if you want to have the most colorful garden in the springtime, you should think about adding bulbs to your garden. This class will focus on basic design principles, bulb selection and bulb planting techniques.
Class is limited to 20 people.

Tuesday, October 7
10:15am-12:15pm -- downstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 40 /BCAHS Members $ 30

Back by popular demand! Join us for this fun presentation if you missed it the first time around.
We all have “things” in our attics or basements that might possibly be of value today. Items not popular years ago have suddenly come into vogue as a collectible. Each participant will receive a booklet with pictures so they may follow along as each object is discussed. Bob will also bring in pieces from his own collection to share.
Each member of the class is invited to bring in one small “old” item from home for his evaluation.
Class is limited to 35 people. Light refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, October 21
10:30am-12:30pm—downstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 25 /BCAHS Members $ 15

7. Fall Foliage Bus Trip to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz and The Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville

Our leaf-peeping trip this year takes us back to the beautiful views of the Mohonk Mountain House. It is an imposing 261-room Victorian castle, perched in the Shawangunk Mountains that has been hosting guests since the 1860’s.
We will have an historic house tour shortly after we arrive. After the luncheon, we will have a greenhouse tour. We will depart Mohonk at 3:00pm to be able to stop for a tour at the Brotherhood Winery.
It is a full day, but there are travel-rest periods between each site. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Thursday, October 23
6:30am—Meet in BCA Parking Lot** (Bus leaves promptly at 7:00am). Approximate return time is 8:00pm. Light refreshment will be served on the bus.
Fee: $ 100 /BCAHS Members $ 90

**Please let us know on your registration form if you would prefer the convenience of having the bus pick you up at the east end of the Park & Ride Lot at LIE Exit 49-North (Rt. 110 exit) at 7:30am. The bus will NOT STOP UNLESS YOU ALERT US ON YOUR REGISTRATION FORM.

It’s “All for the Birds” and we mean that quite literally!
Karen will be showing us how to take everyday items and create yummy noshes to offer our feathered friends when the cold months make for slim pickins in the woodlands. So, if you’re a member of the bird feeding community, or wish to start, these little items can draw them in. You can watch their antics from a nearby window. Better yet, create a Winter Holiday tree with many edible ornaments. Join us for a morning of crafting for the birds. You will make at least six items.
Class is limited to 20 people. Please bring wire cutters. No birds allowed to peak, er peck, early!

Saturday, November 15
10:15am-12:15pm – downstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 20 /BCAHS Members $ 15

In this class, you will decorate a live evergreen wreath with fresh fruit and trimmings. Included, if time permits, will be a demonstration on using fresh fruit containers for dips and serving. Come and see how creative you can be.
You need to bring 10 to 20 medium-sized pieces of FRESH fruit. Fresh Red Delicious or Granny Smith apples work best. Lemons and limes are also good choices. You will also need to bring small prunners and a pair of gloves.
Class limited to 20 people.

Saturday, November 22
10:15am-12:15pm – downstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 45 /BCAHS Members $ 40

“All Aboard!” for one of New York’s most beloved holiday traditions! A dash of holiday magic transforms the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into an enchanting world featuring replicas of more than 140 New York landmarks—from the Statue of Liberty to Yankee Stadium—made entirely from plant parts like berries, leaves, and seeds. Large-scale model trains and trolleys zip through this wondrous landscape, disappearing into tunnels, crossing bridges overhead, and gliding under waterfalls and twinkling lights.” When was the last time you strolled the conservatory decked out for the holidays at this special place ‘in our own backyard’ and which is visited by horticulturalists from all over the world?
If you went with us last year, you know how exciting the NYBG can be.
We have a private tour planned. Lunch is on your own.
You might make a gift of this trip to someone you would like to spend a delightful day with! Or, join us, and perhaps make some new friends!

Wednesday, December 3
7:15am—meet in BCA Parking Lot** (Bus leaves promptly at 7:45am). Approximate return time is 5:30pm. Light refreshment will be served on the bus.
Fee: $ 65 /BCAHS Members $ 60 Includes transportation, admissions, and gratuities.

**Please let us know on your registration form if you would prefer the convenience of having the bus pick you up at 8:15am at the east end of the Park & Ride Lot at LIE Exit 49-North (Rt. 110 exit.) The bus will NOT STOP UNLESS YOU ALERT US ON YOUR REGISTRATION FORM.

11. Holiday Centerpiece of Fresh Greens ~ Marie Camenares and Sue Randazzo

Take home a lovely table decoration that you will make from several different varieties of fresh evergreen sprays. You will learn about the selection, identification and care of holiday evergreens.
Bring a pruning shears labeled with your name. All materials are included.
Class is limited to 20 people, and it will be held rain-or-shine.

Saturday, December 13
10:15am-12:15pm – upstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 30 /BCAHS Members $ 20

The Cutting family enjoyed the holidays together. In their Manor House, built in 1886, the decorations were elegant in their simplicity. A festive atmosphere still pervades the restored Manor House decorated in an historical Victorian style during the holidays. Come see the rooms downstairs, decorated by local garden clubs. Tour the family living quarters with a docent to view the delicately lit and decorated rooms. Treat a friend to a gift of time spent together.
There are two tour times. Please note your choice of A or B on the registration form.

Friday evening, December 19
Tour Group A : Tour starts 7:00 pm
Tour Group B : Tour starts 8:00 pm
Be sure to register early as space is limited to 20 people on each tour.
Fee: All $ 10

This four-hour class is for beginning painters, but anyone who paints will have lots of fun creating these beauties. You will be painting a sunflower design on a slate, which can be hung on the wall or door. All paints and the slate will be provided. All students should bring the following items: roll of paper toweling, water container, paint palette--which can be a Styrofoam plate or recycled vegetable tray, and three or four paint brushes:

Loew-Cornell American Painter brushes with grey handles and golden taklon bristles in three sizes— #1 or 0 script lines (long bristles)
#14 Flat Shader or ½ Flat Shader
#10 or #12 Filbert (oval shape)
Optional but very useful is an Angle Brush

Bring a bag lunch. We will provide dessert and beverage. Class is limited to 15 people.

Saturday, January 17 (snow date January 24)
10:15am-2:15pm – upstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 40 /BCAHS Members $ 30

14. A Day of Basket Weaving - Beginner Course
Miriam Fink & Linda Heidenfelder, Instructors from Woven Treasures

Back by popular demand! Some of you have been too intimidated to join the more advanced weaving classes so we're hoping to get a new group involved in this ancient craft. Spend the day being guided through a simple but substantial project with a finished basket to take home. You will be amazed at what you can create in just a few hours.
Space is limited to 18 people. Fee includes all materials.
Bring a sandwich for lunch - we will provide coffee, tea and dessert.

Saturday, January 24
10:00am- 3:00pm--downstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 50 /BCAHS Members $ 40

15. A Day of Basket Weaving - Intermediate Course
Miriam Fink & Linda Heidenfelder, Instructors from Woven Treasures

Weavers from the past few years have asked for a more intricate project "in the round". Miriam and Linda will surprise us with a basket that will challenge our craftsmanship but they will insure we succeed at. This course will be for those who have already had experience weaving (not necessarily with these teachers). Register early because the veterans will be jumping at this chance to advance their skills.
Space is limited to 18 people. Fee includes all materials.
Bring a sandwich for lunch - we will provide coffee, tea and dessert.

Saturday, January 31
10:00am-3:00pm—downstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 50 /BCAHS Members $ 40

16. Winter Sowing ~ Trudi Davidoff
This lecture & hands-on workshop offers an opportunity to keep you garden-centered during the cold winter months. The class leader, Trudi Davidoff, has acquired a national reputation for encouraging gardeners to sow their seeds throughout the year. Thousands of followers have practiced this method with great results. If you can’t wait for warmer weather to get your seeds started, or you are not interested in indoor gardening with lights and extra heat, this class is for you. Trudi brings a wealth of information for all participants. She will cover many areas of winter sowing, including the process and theory behind Winter Sowing. She will also explain various germination methods, seed saving techniques, and the how-to’s of on-line seed trading. She is also a proponent of recycling materials.
So, to keep your green thumb green or to brighten it for the coming months, bring some recycled materials such as two or more one-liter soda bottles, one one-half-liter water bottle, plus assorted other cleaned containers from take-out or a gallon of milk. Strawberry containers are not useful--they have too many holes. Bring some unusual ones you would like to try or share. Trudi will bring the soil, some seeds and literature for everyone.

Saturday, February 7 (Snowdate February 21)
10:15am-12:30pm—downstairs in the Carriage House
Fee: $ 25 /BCAHS Members $ 15

17. Needlepoint for Beginners ~ Miriam Acard, Instructor from Stitch by Stitch, Ltd.

Here’s a new offering that we are hoping will be of interest. Needlepoint for Beginners is a class that will show you the basics of the technique. You will be able to complete a botanical project within the allowed time- frame, or have enough knowledge to continue completing your project at home. It will be a simple botanical design of a leaf that can become a small picture, the beginning of a pillow, or perhaps a pocket covering—and, maybe, even a new creative pastime! Come join us.
All the supplies are included with the exception that you bring your own small scissors.

Sunday afternoon, February 8 (Snowdate Feb. 15)
1:30pm-3:30pm--downstairs in the Carriage House (There is a concert upstairs)
Fee: $ 30 /BCAHS Members $ 25

Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society’s
S P E C I A L E V E N T S

Join us for our monthly meetings. This season we are featuring many interesting new speakers as well as a pre-meeting social time for swapping and sharing the “seeds” of ideas as well as plants. Our meetings begin at 7:30pm on the second Wednesday of the month and are open to the public. (June and December are special events for members only.)

First Fall General Meeting: Wednesday, September 10^th

Juried Fall Flower & Harvest Show: Saturday, September 13^th & Sunday, September 14^th

Fall Round Table Discussion Night: Wednesday, October 15^th

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, December 5^th

This web page has been prepared by The BCAHS Education Committee:
Tony La Scala, Barbara Reitz, Co-Chm. Anita Bischoff, Emily Botti, Karen Connolly, Sharon Eckhaus, Helen Feigel, Patti Fox, Mary Kurka, Caroline La Scala, Jane Manning, Kate Phelan, Kathy Muller

REGISTRATION FORM

Please be sure to check the availability of the courses with Lillian Wykert Lillian.Wykert@oprhp.state.ny.us. or call the arboretum office, 631 581 1002 before you fill in, pay for, and mail the registration forms!

For those of you that have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in their computer, the Registration Form can be downloaded and printed by clicking here:

Download and install the free Acrobat Reader by clicking on its icon below, and then proceed to download the pdf file to their computer: