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8th Annual Landis Arboretum Wine Tasting
Friday, November 11, 5:30 - 7:30 PM Arboretum members $10, nonmembers $15 Click here for more information
Duckweed: Not Just for Ducks
~ Lee Lattimer The Woodland Trail takes the visitor to a pond that was, until the construction of a dike in 2008, a seasonal wetland. This now year-round pond is home to many frogs, dragonflies, turtles, and ducks. The green growth that covers the pond’s surface might be mistaken for algae. It’s actually duckweed (Lemna spp.), a high-protein food source for waterfowl considered to be the smallest flowering plant in the world. Duckweed is a very small free-floating plant that consists of one to three fronds, with a root (or root hair) protruding from each frond. It forms dense colonies in quiet water, often including more than a single species. This co-mingling of species is indicated by different shades of green and is evident in the Woodland Pond. [Read more] Fall Plant Sale a Riot of Color, Blessed by Good Weather
Gardeners eager to fill corners of their gardens with hardy perennials, trees, and shrubs once again made the Fall Plant, Book, and Bake Sale a successful fundraiser.
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From the Director's Desk:
The Death and Rebirth of Our Great Oak ~ Fred Breglia, Executive Director About 500 years ago, an acorn sprouted that would one day grow into the Landis Arboretum’s signature tree, the Great Oak. The year was 1516, 300 years before the village of Esperance was founded. The surrounding landscape was full of dense oak forests where bear, moose, and wolves flourished. Around 1616, the Great Oak celebrated its 100th birthday, a milestone few of us humans will ever experience. It was still in its youth. Many Europeans began to settle the area, clearing the land by cutting trees. For some reason, the Great Oak was left to stand, high upon the hill overlooking the Schoharie Valley. [Read more] Great Oak & Memorial Oak Sapling Jeremy LaJeunesse
(Photographs courtesy of Cathleen LaJeunesse) A Remembrance ~ Lee Lattimer
Many years ago, an oak seed fell to the ground, sprouted, took root, and grew. As it grew, it learned to love the things that nurtured it: sun, water, air, and soil. It used those blessings to sustain others and to feed and shelter the birds and animals within its branches. Its shade gave respite from the harsh sun. It eventually matured into a tall, imposing tree, loved by many. But in nature, time delivers hardships. Suffering from the devastating effects of an ice storm and hurricane, the more than 400-year-old tree died in 2016. Not so many years ago, a boy came into the world. As he grew, he learned to love the things that nurtured him – parents, friends, art, and nature. He used those blessings to sustain others, to nourish his teammates and family. His kindness gave respite to those who suffered the viciousness of bullies. He matured into an imposing young man, loved by many. But not unlike the Great Oak, he faced insurmountable hardships. The 20-year-old man died in 2011 from the devastating effects of hypertrophy cardiomyopathy, a progressive heart disease. [Read more] From the Garden: A Busy Year - And It's Not Over Yet!
~ Erin Breglia, Garden Manager What with the late spring snow, the summer’s drought, and marked increase in humidity, it has been a challenging year for the Arboretum’s Garden Club -- and it’s not over yet! In the spring, the Landis Arboretum Garden Club members created containerized educational display gardens along the front of the barn with fun themes, ranging from “Kids Garden” to “Tea” and “Salsa” gardens. We also started a kitchen garden along the front of the Library-Greenhouse complex, but it was nearly decimated by a hungry bunny in early summer. The plants it didn’t eat flourished, and we were able to harvest many culinary herbs, as well as peppers, tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers. Next spring, we hope to expand these gardens to include medicinal plants. [Read more]
Landis Portraits: A Series About the People Behind the Plants at the Arboretum - Nolan Marciniec
“I like to talk to plants, especially trees. People talk to dogs and cats, and they’ve figured it out. Trees have too,” said Peter Rumora. Talking to plants, especially trees, has been inordinately successful for Peter. The modest city lot behind his 1754 home in Schenectady’s historic Stockade district contains about sixty different specimens of conifers – as well as many other delights. He admitted that gardening is in his blood – “in my soul” -- and has been since he was growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania. His gardens (“my peace of mind”) have followed him from two homes in Dutchess County, to the Albany area, and finally to the Stockade in 2011. [Read more] Find Your Sweet Spot at Landis Come Spring ~ Louise Polli
Those who support the Landis Arboretum – the members, volunteers, Board, and staff – are often asked what they love most about it. The answers are as diverse as Landis itself: the trees, trails, collections, performances, star parties, and, of course, its sheer beauty and serenity. But especially regarded are the people who bring their talents and their passions like snacks in a backpack, sharing them freely. Anne Frey and Earl Van Wormer are two such friends of the Arboretum. [Read more] Spotlight on Sponsors:
Fenimore Asset Management and FAM Funds ~ Gail Browning Since the establishment of Fenimore Asset Management (FAM) 42 years ago, founder and chairman Tom Putnam has developed a culture of giving to and investing in non-profit and other community resources throughout the New York’s Capital Region. Fenimore Asset Management is the advisor to FAM Funds, which maintains a Contribution Committee whose members serve a two-year term. The committee’s purpose is to review funding requests from non-profit organizations and initiate community service projects. [Read more] |
Another Successful Landis Perennial Forest 5K Walk-Run
The day dawned bright and beautiful on August 13 at Landis and remained so as 97 runners stepped off for the 10th Perennial Forest 5K Walk-Run. Mark Stephenson achieved the best time for male runners at 20:52.680, and Linda Beebe came in first among female runners at 25:31.037. Click here for full results.
The day dawned bright and beautiful on August 13 at Landis and remained so as 97 runners stepped off for the 10th Perennial Forest 5K Walk-Run. Mark Stephenson achieved the best time for male runners at 20:52.680, and Linda Beebe came in first among female runners at 25:31.037. Click here for full results.
Fall at the Arboretum: A Photo Essay Slideshow ~ Lee Lattimer |