Oak Spring Garden Foundation Announces 2023 Interdisciplinary Residents
OSGF
Learn about the Oak Spring Garden Foundation Interdisciplinary Residents of 2023.
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Blog Posts
Heritage Chickens of the Biocultural Conservation Farm
Rachel Martin
Of the livestock species that have traveled in tandem with humanity’s expansion across the globe, chickens stand out for several reasons. Read a blog from our BCCF’s Landscape Manager Nick Sette about the chicken breeds we have on our farm.
Read MoreHoliday Traditions around the World
Rachel Martin
The month of December is always a time of year for celebration, reflection, and connecting with loved ones. This holiday, learn about a few traditions celebrated around the world and the ways plants inform these traditions.
Read MoreBoulders into Sand
Rachel Martin
The soils we stand on are the foundation from where all of our foods, fibers, and materials stem from (no pun intended). It varies drastically from place to place, and the story of how your local soil was formed goes back hundreds of millions of years.
Read MoreHave Seeds, Will Travel
Rachel Martin
Plants, for the most part, are rooted in place. So how have species been able to travel around the world and adapt to new environments? The answer for most plants as to do with the development and dispersal of seeds.
Read MoreMeet Our Fellows: Jessamine Finch
OSGF
Our 2022 Plant Conservation Fellow, Dr. Jessamine Finch, is focused on plant conservation through applied investigations of the environmental tolerance ranges for plants and the intersection of seed ecology, ecological restoration, and climate change. Read our latest Q&A to get to know her better!
Read MoreAutumn Appreciation: Cyclamen
OSGF
Cyclamen have existed since around the time of the philosopher Theophrastus. Read about how we are growing one of Mrs. Mellon’s favorite flowers to keep our garden and greenhouse lively during the colder months.
Read MoreRecipe: Oak Spring Apple Butter Bars
OSGF
These delicious apple butter bars are a perfect fall treat. Read this recipe by Oak Spring Chef Jason Neve to see how to make them yourself!
Read MoreMeet Our Fellows: Ariana Benson
OSGF
Ariana Benson, our 2022 Eliza Moore Fellow, is a poet with an interest in this connection through the lens of black history. She spent two weeks in residence at Oak Spring in July, when she sat down with us for this Q&A.
Read MoreOak Spring Through an Intern's Lens
Macey Wissell
Read the reflections of one of our summer interns and see some of the photos that she took of our landscape and biodiversity.
Read MorePaper Through the Centuries
Philippa Hechl
Paper has been a portal for people to share prose, poetry, and art for centuries. While the subjects and works illustrated on these sheets are often most admired, the paper itself can be equally as important and astounding.
Read MoreSaving America’s Littlest Falcon
Emily Ellis
American Kestrels are in decline across their native range, for reasons that are not well understood by researchers. Read about how environmental organizations in Northern Virginia are working to build their population and learn more about them.
Read MoreCreepy-Crawly History: Insect Books in the Oak Spring Garden Library
Macey Wissell
A Garden Library wouldn’t be complete without a few books about insects. Check out this latest blogpost to explore several beautiful and unusual texts about all things that crawl, buzz, and flutter.
Read MoreMill Reef: A Legacy of Heart
Emily Ellis
Read about one of OSGF’s latest projects, a short documentary celebrating the life of Paul Mellon’s great racehorse, Mill Reef.
Read MoreA Better Way
Emily Ellis
Danielle Wyman Castellano, the leader of our upcoming Permaculture Design Certification Course, discusses the nature-first approach to landscape design and how it can benefit communities and the environment.
Read MoreMeet Our Fellows: Fidencio Fifield-Perez Talks Plants, Moments, and Curiosity
Emily Ellis
Read about the work of 2021 Eliza Moore Fellow Fidencio Fifield-Perez.
Read MoreFour At-Risk North American Bumble Bee Species
Emily Ellis
In honor of World Bee Day and Endangered Species Day this year, we’re writing about four North American bumble bee species at risk of extinction (several of which are found in Virginia), and current efforts to protect them.
Read MoreFive Ways to Support Migratory Birds
Emily Ellis
To celebrate World Migratory Bird Day this year, we’re listing several ways you can support birds in your area.
Read MoreOf Gardens and Structure: Caring for Oak Spring's Apple Cordons
Thomas Bardroff
Horticulture Apprentice Thomas Bardroff discusses caring for cordons in Oak Spring’s formal garden.
Read MoreBetween Two Topiaries, Episode 2: Forced Bulbs
OSGF
On this episode of #BetweenTwoTopiaries, Todd talks about the history of forced bulbs at Oak Spring.
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