EARLY SUMMER AT THE PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

EARLY SUMMER PHOTOS

by John Berninger



May 28, 2011

These are two views of the Candelabra Primrose, which, along with their white relatives, are happily spreading around the wet areas of the Arboretum. Viewed from the side, it is easy to see how they got their name, and the top view remined me of fireworks. these flowers were seen at the edge of the Front Pond.


May 28, 2011

This buttercup was spotted northeast of the Greenhouse pond, with some little purple flowers making a nice background. I am hoping to spend more time walking around the Arboretum and learning the names of the wide variety of flora and fauna to be found here.


June 19, 2011

This is one of the Canada Goose families at the Arboretum, seen here in the Front Pond. The children seem to be very well behaved, due to their attentive parents


July 19, 2011

There was quite a bit of turbulent activity among the Koi fish in the Front Pond.
John Abbuhl thought it was some kind of mating ritual. I think it was either that or a territorial dispute. neither of us had seen them chasing each other around like this before.


June 19, 2011

This rose was seen in the Pine Cove area.

GRAND FIR AND NOBLE FIR

Walking down the Enterance Trail into Pine Hollow Arboretum the shapes of green pines and fir trees open up like gateways to the rich vistas and arranged plantings. As you learn more about the trees on display, the interesting sights take on a more informed aspect. An example are the two matched fir trees growing closely together where the downslope flattens out at the end of the hill Enterance Trail. They are the Grand Fir (Abies grandis) to the left and growing within the Grand Fir's spreading branches, a different fir trunk, the Noble Fir (Abies procera). Arboretum founder and planter John Abbuhl allows that the two trees could of been placed with more distance between them but as they stand they illustrate the famous Aesop fable "The Tortoise and the Hare". Both Firs were planted at the same time. The largest of all firs, the Grand Fir can grow 300 ft. tall. It is a very quick grower and at the Arboretum it dwarfs its fir partner. The Grand Fir is not long lived according to John, with a life span of about 250 years. Next to it, the Noble Fir grows second largest of any fir and lives to a thousand years. The Noble Fir will be standing tall and growing for many hundred years while the Grand Fir next to it will be fallen, decayed and returned to the earth.

THE GOLDEN CHAIN TREE AT PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM

The Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum X Watereri) at Pine Hollow

One of my favorite trees at the Pine Hollow Arboretum is the Golden Chain tree. The reason I love this tree is because when it is in bloom, its blossoms are long clusters of bright yellow flowers that cascade downwards like Chinese lanterns bursting with light. They are magnificent to see and fragrant as well. There are four of them at the arboretum and they can be found in the area near the waterfall.

The Golden Chain tree originated in Europe. The Latin name is Laburnum x Watereri ‘Vossii’. It is an ornamental tree and a member of the pea family. This tree enjoys almost any soil type as long as it is well drained and in full sun or partial shade. At its maturity it will stand 15 - 20 feet in height and produce flower clusters 8 inches long which makes it particularly well suited for bordering garden paths and walkways. It is a favorite flowering tree of English country gardens. While there are a couple different varieties, the ones at the arboretum bloom in the spring. The foliage is trifoliate, somewhat like a clover, and light green in color and can be susceptible to “sunburn” during hot summer days. It has been reported that this tree is sensitive to fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Ironically, they themselves are highly toxic to people or pets if the foliage is ingested in a sizeable quantities. The seeds germinate easily and it can also be propagated by layering or grafting. The Golden Chain tree attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and is deer resistant.

--- Sue Abbuhl

IT'S ECO-SEASON 2011: GROW, BREATHE, LEARN, DISCOVER --

The following article written by Pine Hollow Arboretum board member Sheri Sanduski appeared in the May 19th JEWISH WORLD NEWSPAPER. Photographs illustrating the article taken May 28, 2011 by Alan Casline.

It's Eco-Season 2011: grow. breath. learn. discover--Pine Hollow Arboretum
Summer is on our doorstep. You want to discover someplace new. Someplace close to home. A beautiful, safe, exhilarating outdoor adventure to bring your family to explore, or to take in some quiet solace for yourself after a busy day. Discover the possibilities at the Pine Hollow Arboretum, an emerging non profit organization situated in the heart of Slingerlands, New York on a 25-acre tranquil preserve, just a few miles from Albany. The Arboretum is home to a thriving ecosystem of over 3,000 trees from all over the world. The land has been planted over the last forty years by retired Pediatrician Dr. John Abbuhl. As a forever to be undisturbed, living outdoor treasure, the Arboretum features twelve ponds, sweeping groves and meandering traills all waiting for visitors to explore.

Trees planted at the Arboretum, when they succeed, have shown a natural adaption to our region. Trees are an essentialpart of healthy habitats around the world and contribute directly to biodiversity. Tree conservation benefits everyone. people of all ages can appreciate a natural environment like Pine Hollow Arboretum. Fortunately for people from our region, it is literally right in our own backyard. For visitors outside our region, it is a destination worth the trip.

Each season brings its own beauty to the Arboretum. Whether exploring the trails, taking in the blossoms, or simply relaxing with an exquisite view, a new discovery awaits you with each visit. One walking tour provides just a glimpse of all that the horticultural collection has to offer, to learn, explore and energize. Experience the Arboretum and become a member.

The Arboretum is open on weekends from 10:00 am to 4:00 PM from April though October. Tours at other times can be arranged by calling ahead. Grounds are generally open to the public from dawn to dusk each day. Please call ahead if you are interested in visiting the Arboretum on your own. The Entrance Trail slopes downhill from a spot right behind the Visitor Center Building located at 16 Maple Avenue in Slingerlands, New York. Arboretum members, students, and accompanied children are free; there is a $3.00 donation for all others. Please call Kay Abbuhl at (518) 439-6472 to arrange a visit or a tour.

Pine Hollow Arboretum will awaken your senses. Come for a day, connect for a lifetime to enjoy the peace, tranquility and especially, the trees.

-------- Sheri Sanduski

PEOPLE OUTNUMBER CANADA GEESE ON WEEKEND

OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND SPRING 2011






Barbara Quint talked to Nate Horwitz and me from the bench by the willows at the end of Long Pond. She said there was a pair of Canada Geese who swam close together and had a nest near the pond shore. Two ducks seemed to be in a territorial battle over a third. The large gold koi and large yellow koi were active swimming in and out of shadowy weeds. The water lily leaves have not fully emerged yet and these water plants were most visible as greening yellow stems under the water surface. I encouraged Barbara to return in early summer to see them in flower. She asked how many koi are there in the pond? I don't know. I took some photos of tadpoles. Their external gills soon to be replaced though metamorphosis to the adult bullfrog. Plop, plop, plop as you walked any pond edge showed many small frogs had successfully wintered.

Two successful events brought over seventy-five people of all ages to Pine Hollow Arboretum on the weekend of April 29-May 1, 2011. The Music of Jim Williams and the written talent of the Delmar Writers Group brought out a nice appreciative crowd for the Showcase on Friday night April 29th. John Abbuhl said he parked seventeen cars which means there were more cars then deer at the Arboretum that evening. Marion Menna, Alan Casline, Paul Amidon, Jean Van Dyk, Mimi Moriarty read poetry. Susan Morse and Julie Cushine-Rigg shared some of their prose. It might be close but it appears there were more writers then ducks at the Arboretum.

Jim Willams makes music

poetry crowd at Pine Hollow Arboretum

Susan Morse











Poet Paul Amidon

Mimi Moriarty reads at Pine Hollow Arboretum

Sunday, May 1st was a sunny warm day and many people came by to visit the grounds during our Open House. For some it was a return visit but many had promised themselves in the past they would visit and were happy they had finally made the trek. The familar "I had no idea this was here" echoed in the hollow and up the hills. All were encouraged to come back and see the changing variety of flowering trees as we move into late Spring. It was nice seeing so many folks enjoy the plantings, ponds and trails. I must report, however, despite the large turnout that the frogs still outnumbered people by a large number. Here are some photos of the Open House.

--Alan Casline

SPRING APRIL 26, 2011

The Delmar Writers Group Reading is at 7:00 pm on Friday April 29, 2011
Grounds Open All Day. Visitors Center open staring at 5:30 pm.

OPEN HOUSE on Sunday May 1, 2001 starting at 2:00 pm. Arboretum Tour led by John Abbuhl Meet at Visitors Center


Photos taken on Tuesday April 26, 2011 by Alan Casline

2011 SPRING EVENTS AT PINE HOLLOW ARBOURETUM

The weekend of Friday April 29th to Sunday May 1st are is going to be busy at Pine Hollow Arboretum. On Friday evening the Delmar Writers Group will presenting a Delmar Writers Showcase starting at 7:00 PM at the Visitors Center. Sunday Afternoon May 1st will be the Neighborhood and Community OPEN HOUSE.

Hello Neighbors!
We are the Pine Hollow Arboretum
and we would love to show you around!

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, MAY 1st, 2011
from 2 to 5 pm

at the Pine Hollow Arboretum
16 Maple Avenue
Slingerlands, New York 12195
(518) 439-6472

Pine Hollow Arboretum * a new not-for-profit * 25 acres of trees in a natural setting * within walking distance *


Bring your walking shoes or boots to hike the many trails and to see the property’s varied land and plantings. We go forth rain or shine! Interpreters will be available at unique places.

Light Refreshments will be offered!


No reservation needed but if you know you are coming
please e-mail us at pinehollowarb@aol.com and let us know.

Can’t make it. Send us your e-mail address if you want to stay
informed about opportunities and events