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Bayard Cutting Arboretum
I. Paradise Island Paradise Island, the north easterly portion of the park, offers winding trails and many views that bring bird lovers back year after year. It is connected to the park via a small walkway that runs parallel to the Long Island train system. Paradise Island portrays very well how natural wetlands and bogs can thrive when untouched by man and machine. Stop by the Osprey nest in the middle of the park where there is a viewing bench, or just stroll along the river’s edge to watch the swans and many other numerous wetland birds and animals. II. The Cowfield (Meadow) Just south of Paradise Island is the Meadow otherwise known as the Cowfield. When the Cutting family lived on the estate many years ago, the field was then used as cow grazing pasture. Now, nearly a century later, the field is a great place to see wildflowers thrive and birds of all kinds call home. The Southwest end of the park has a cowbarn that is now used by Cornell Cooperative Extension and allows for much research in the landscape field. There are also many large Maple trees that give remarkable foliage in the fall season. This section of the park is essentially also a great place for cloud gazing. III. The Pinetum The Pinetum is known as the Heart of Bayard Cutting Arboretum. It was once home to thousands of species of evergreens that surpassed all other arboretums because these conifers were noted to be the largest of their kind. Unfortunately, a hurricane in 1985 destroyed most of the largest species. However, because of care, most of those trees have been replaced and together with the existing trees combine to form a great place to view many unique trees from all over the world. If there were such a thing as a tree museum, our Pinetum would be in the definition. The Pinetum is home to one of the worlds largest Sergeant’s Weeping Hemlock, and other rare plantings including many flowering deciduous trees. Within the Pinetum lies the Holly Collection. Take a stroll along the winding path and view many forms of holly plants some as tall as 30 feet. IV. Breezy Island Directly South east of the Cutting residence is Breezy Island. This island was made when the Connetquot River was dredged by the Vanderbuilt family in order to get their large steamboat through the river to their estate on the other side. The island is connected by a bridge that offers views like that of the Florida Everglades, with winding paths and hidden secrets. It is favored by the young but can make anyone feel like they are on their own tropical island away from all the hustle and bustle of today’s society. Not only is Breezy Island a unique element to the landscape, it also unique because nearly all the plants and trees on the island are native to North America. V. Oak Park The front lawn of the Cutting Residence is otherwise known as the Oak Park. Here, you will find many species of Oaks (14 or so). Some of them have been there before the Cutting family moved in. These are easy to find because the trunk sizes are absolutely massive. The Oak Park is an excellent place to wander in the shade away from the summer heat. In the Spring Summer and even fall months, it isn’t rare to find the Oak Park swamped with wedding parties on a warm afternoon. It provides a perfect picturesque backdrop for photographs that denote the perfect occasion. VI. Rhododendron Walk Within the Rhododendron Garden you will find many meandering paths where you will be surrounded by a whole assortment of colors and hews that the flowers of the many rhododendrons and azaleas reveal. Feel free to stray from one of the main paths and get lost in the moss walk that leads you through what seems like a cavern of cool air through wildflowers and mysterious bends and bridges. VII. Front Lawn When peering out the window and into the backyard, you will see a big green vista; sometimes filled with wildflowers and geese that empties itself into the bank of the Connetquot River. This lawn is framed by trees on both sides, which include oaks, pitch pines, maples, and even a huge Weeping Beech tree. This tree has become a focal point to this section of the estate. Its massive weeping arms are covered with dark green leaves and you really get a sense of history when gazing at it. Go ahead and walk around inside of it, where you will find a huge open cavern with green walls an all sides. Also, make sure you get a bite to eat at the delicious and elegant Hidden Oak Cafe and sit on the porch to experience the view. VIII. Dahlia Garden The Dahlia Garden is located in the easterly end of the park behind the Cow Barn. It was planted and is maintained by the LONG ISLAND DAHLIA SOCIETY. There are currently approximately 500 plants and over 400 varieties. This is one of the largest dahlia gardens on the east coast. The garden peaks in September and October. The LIDS holds flower shows at the Arboretum in the fall of each year. Membership in the society is available. For further information contact the Arboretum at 631-581-1002. |
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