Since 1974, the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society (BCAHS) has been promoting sound home gardening methods, preservation of the environment and an appreciation of the beautiful Bayard Cutting Arboretum and our Long Island Community. Profits generated by the Society’s fundraising events are donated to Bayard Cutting Arboretum to help maintain the historic Westbrook Manor House, summer home of the Cutting Family.
BCAHS members enjoy numerous education programs, lectures, demonstrations and networking opportunities throughout the year. Monthly meetings include a short business portion, followed by an engaging guest speaker. Informative monthly newsletters are sent to members via email. Periodic field trips are arranged to visit gardens and other sites of interest.
Hundreds of visitors come to the Society’s annual benefit plant sale held at the Arboretum the weekend after Memorial Day. The Annual Plant Sale features attractive and unusual perennials, specialty plants and saplings collected at the Arboretum. Master Gardeners are available to help answer questions.
BCAHS members operate Granny’s Attic, a thrift store located at the Arboretum’s Lower Carriage House. Visitors can purchase gently-used household items at a modest price. Donations of small household items are welcome! Please, no furniture, books or clothing. Items can be dropped off at Granny’s Attic when it is open or at the Westbrook Manor House.
GENERAL MEETINGS
General Meetings are held in the Arboretum’s Upper Carriage House
September – November & April – June
Second Wednesday of the Month at 6:30 PM
January-March
Second Saturday or Sunday at 1:00 PM
December is our Holiday Party!
The Society offers:
~~Membership Benefits~~
Monthly Meetings with Horticultural Programs
Monthly Electronic NewsBLASTS
Reduced Registrations for Arboretum Symposium & Events
Annual Tour of Westbrook Manor House
Arboretum Garden Tour by BCA Director
Dahlia Garden Tour by L.I. Dahlia Society
Member Recognition Party
Annual Holiday Social
Many opportunities to make new friends and explore the world of gardening!
Download "Get to Know Us" for a full explanation of our Horticultural Society.
GET TO KNOW THE BAYARD CUTTING FAMILY
Susan Dean's idea a few years ago was to start the Gift Shop upstairs in the Manor House and has been instrumental in its huge success.
She is an avid buyer and manager of the Gift shop and knows just what her clientele wants to purchase.
It has been so successful that the Hort Society has been able to donate to the Arboretum’s many projects for renovation and repair.
She has also volunteered in Babylon township in its beatification projects and other projects that benefit its residents.
She also decorates the Hidden Oak Café during the Holiday season and is a tremendous help with the Holiday Party and the Plant Sales.
She is never without a smile on her face. Always friendly and wants to help whenever she can.
Marilyn Silverman has been our treasurer for several years and does a fantastic job of it. As treasurer she oversees the budget and the expenses and income that the Hort Society incurs.
She volunteers in the Gift Shop as well as at the Plant Sales.
She is indispensable to the Hort Society.
She is always smiling and welcoming to all members.
Two Farmingdale State College students awarded the 2024 Nelson Sterner/Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society (BCAHS) Scholarship
by Doreen Monteleone
Since 1974, BCAHS has been promoting sound gardening practices including supporting educational programs and students. We offer $1,000 scholarships to students at Farmingdale State College who intend to pursue a career in horticulture. The scholarship honors Nelson Sterner, former director of Bayard Cutting Arboretum and adjunct professor at Farmingdale. This year, two scholarships were awarded to worthy students.
BRENDAN BUTLER
is working towards an Associate Degree in Applied Science and majoring in General Horticulture. His goal is to work close to nature in a national park, state forest or other similar landscape. Brendan is known to be an exemplary student with a stellar personality and leadership skills. He is an active volunteer at the Farmingdale State College and helps to run its annual plant sale. Brendan expects to graduate in May 2025.
TIMOTHY LANGONE
was awarded for the second time and is working toward a Bachelor of Technology Degree, majoring in Horticultural Technology Management. His interest is in ornamental horticulture and design towards managing a public garden. Tim is an impressive student and is on the Dean’s and President’s List at Farmingdale. He is an active participant and contributor to the Horticulture Club where he has led plant identification walks on campus. Tim has been an intern at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, worked at Hicks Nurseries and is currently employed at Old Westbury Gardens. He expects to graduate in May 2025.
Our Plant sale co-chair and Arboretum liaison, Doreen Monteleone, was recently video interviewed on News12 Long Island by Alex Calamia, Meteorologist.
Garden Guide: How to grow a fig tree in a small space
Click BELOW for the video
MEDITATION BENCHES COMPLETED JUNE 2023.
Donated by BCAHS to the
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
"An oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest, and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty."
Dedicated by Olivia Cutting James