POETRY AT THE ARBORETUM 2011

POETRY AT THE ARBORETUM

Friday August 12 , 2011 at 7:00 pm
Pine Hollow Arboretum, 16 Maple Avenue,
Slingerlands, NY

Featuring Poets: Carol Graser, Marion Menna,
John Abbuhl, Therese Broderick, Virginia Acquario, Howard Kogan, Alan Casline, Dennis Sullivan,
Obeeduid, Ron Pavoldi, Mimi Moriarty, Tom Corrado
Catherine Connolly, Jim Williams, Mike Burke

Musical Interludes by Jim Williams

Arboretum Tour at 6:00 pm

A display and book sale of many of the reading poets will also be a feature of the event

For more information phone: (518) 439-6472

FIR TOUR

Douglas Fir Tree at Pine Hollow Arboretum (fir on left side of photo)

Fir is derived from the Old English furth or fyrh or the Danish fyrr, meaning "fire", from its use as firewood. The fir at Pine Hollow Arboretum never have to face that fate. Either standing upright for a full thousand year growth or fallen to serve as planting site and nutrients for other growth, the Pine Hollow fir are all granted the natural forest cycle. John Abbuhl pointed out the success of his efforts to create natural conditions and self-seeding trees. The fir tour started near the Enterance Trail, climbed Japaneses Hill, then went by Russian Pond and all along the Fir trail with a brief swing to see speciments near Greenhouse Pond. Of the 46 species of fir tree in the world, we have over 30 different species growing at Pine Hollow Arboretum. We learned to look for upright or downward growing cones, the ridges and nubs of fir needles as well as how soft or sharp the needles might be. It was interesting to observe the deer feeding signs so high up the trunks of young fir due to the tall snow cover of last winter. Fortunately, John told us the trees are not significantly damaged. Some of the trees were so small still that we couldn't see them yet as they are covered with undergrowth. Perhaps by next year they will be tall enough to add to a very enjoyable FIR TOUR.

Note the upward pointing cones. Fir cones point up.

John Abbuhl with magnifier shows needle characteristics

Group examines another different fir

Pine Hollow Fir Tour on the Fir Trail

A tour of Fir Trees on July 31

There will be a tour at the Arboretum on Sunday July 31, 2011, starting at 1 PM. This will be a chance to learn about the collection of Fir trees and some of their special characteristics. This is a favorite topic of John Abbuhl (the founder) and should be a fun and interesting walk. Other subjects may be included as requested and as time allows. All ages are welcome. The post previous to this is a good introduction...

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