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.

 

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

2024 MEMBERS OF THE YEAR

SUSAN DEAN AND MARILYN SILVERMAN

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 2025 Nelson Sterner/Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society (BCAHS) Scholarship

by Doreen Monteleone

This year, four outstanding Farmingdale students were recognized in the Nelson Sterner/BCAHS Scholarship competition. Victoria Donahue and Marlaina Molinari were awarded $1,000 each, and as runners-up, Kelly Parsley and Elizabeth Scianno were awarded $500 each. All four were also given complimentary BCAHS memberships through 2026.

Victoria Donahue is working towards a Bachelor of Technology in Horticulture Technology Management and would like to work in greenhouse or nursery production. She interned in the Farmingdale teaching gardens and works in its greenhouse. Her goal is to help grow healthy, sustainable plants while contributing to environmentally responsible practices. Long-term, she hopes to take on a leadership role to mentor others and help improve operations within the industry.

Marlaina Molinari is planning on a Bachelor in Horticulture Technology Management and plans on working toward an ISA Arborist Certification, followed by the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. She wants to work in public horticulture because bringing education and awareness of the importance of these spaces to the public is an invaluable service. Marlaina has interned and worked at BCA.

Kelly Parsley is anticipating a degree in Horticultural Management and Architectural Engineering. Her goal is to work in the field of biophilic design, integrating nature into the built environment by harmonizing horticultural science with architectural and engineering principles. She aspires to establish her own business dedicated to creating, engineering, and nurturing biophilic structures and spaces.

Elizabeth Scianno is expecting an Associates in Horticulture with certificate in Ornamental Studies. While a student, she is also Grounds Supervisor for Girls in the Garden, a private garden design and maintenance company serving the Bellport Village and Hamptons area. She has a strong passion for garden design, hand pruning, and sustainable landscaping.

Former BCA Executive Director & Farmingdale professor Nelson Sterner judged the competition. He commented, “I’m pleased to be able to award these four outstanding students and am looking forward to seeing the future accomplishments of this impressive group.”

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