Cutler Botanic Garden

The Cutler Botanic Garden is a center for teaching horticulture and environmental issues. The garden encourages an appreciation of the environment and helps teach the value of natural resources through educational activities. The purpose is to help participants teach themselves to grow plants with minimal negative effect on the environment.

14 themed areas are represented in Cutler Botanic Garden: Propagation, Hemerocallis, Composting and Rain barrel demonstration, Shade Garden, Perennials, Heath & Heathers, Rock Garden, Native Habitats, Ornamental Grasses, Herbs, Roses and Vegetable Garden, a Hydrangea collection along with several annual flower beds. In the fall of 2023 several improvements were made to the gardens.  Rock walls were rebuilt, stone steps added, a newly designed water feature, a wildflower meadow, a hardscape labyrinth and a new event space.

Cutler Botanic Garden is free and open to the public year round from dawn to dusk for self-guided tours.  

Cutler Botanic Garden is one of approximately 360 gardens in the United States designated as a display garden of All-America Selections. Each year, Cutler Botanic Garden staff previews the AAS winners that will be available commercially the following year. The AAS is a non-profit, educational organization for evaluating new varieties from around the country.

The community uses the garden for a variety of activities. It provides an outdoor classroom where local students are introduced to the plant kingdom. Adult classes in subjects such as annuals, perennials, roses, Integrated Pest Management, and composting include hands-on workshops in the garden.

Tours

• Many community groups and individuals take advantage of the guided tours offered by the Master Gardener Volunteers. Many come simply to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.
• Reservations are required with a least 4 weeks advance notice. Each tour takes approximately one hour.
• Fees: Adult groups: a minimum $20.00 per hour for groups under 10 or $2.00 per adult. Group size over 20 adults a minimum of $50 per hour.  Additional tour guides may be needed for large groups.
• Children: $1.00 per person (collected by leader prior to the tour) with a minimum of $15.00 per group tour. Each youth group must be accompanied by one adult for every 15 children.
• Contact (607) 584-5016 or email ljs322@cornell.edu

Weddings & Special Event

• Cutler Botanic Garden is available for use by the community for weddings on a reservation basis between May 15 and September 15. Our Gazebo with the Simplicity® rose bush and fragrant annual flower lined walkways makes an ideal backdrop for a wedding or prom pictures. We have established Rental Policies and Guidelines for Use of Cutler Botanic Garden.
• We do charge nominal Rental Fees for the use of Cutler Botanic Gardens. These fees are used for support and maintenance of Cutler Botanic Garden.

If you are interested in reserving Cutler Botanic Garden for use, please contact Noelle at 607-584-5020 or nhp35@cornell.edu.

Last updated November 19, 2024