Overview
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is the legacy of designer, horticulturalist, and philanthropist Rachel Lambert Mellon. Mrs. Mellon envisioned that her remarkable collection of rare books, artwork, and materials relating to plants, gardens, and landscapes would continue to inspire education, scholarship, and creativity for generations to come.
Guests are invited to explore the gardens and landscapes of Oak Spring through a self-paced walking tour in scenic Upperville, Virginia. Wander through Mrs. Mellon’s elegant formal walled garden, enjoy the shade of the Mary Potter crabapple arbor, and experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Along the way, visitors can explore a new poster exhibit, "George Washington and a Nation of Farmers," created by OSGF in partnership with George Washington's Mount Vernon to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and the role Washington played as America's founding farmer.
Inside the Gallery, several exhibitions will be on view:
Curious Allies: Mutualism in Fungi, Parasites, and Carnivores, the Fifth New York Botanical Garden Triennial organized with the American Society of Botanical Artists and New York Botanical Garden. Featuring 50 contemporary works by botanical artists from around the world, the exhibition explores fungi, lichens, and plants that rely on complex—and often unseen—relationships to survive. These partnerships, though frequently overlooked, are vital to biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Selected works from the Oak Spring Garden Library will also be featured.
When Bunny Met Snowy features reproductions of original watercolor works by Snowy Campbell, an artist employed by the Mellons beginning in 1970. Created over six years, these intimate paintings depict interiors of several Mellon residences and offer a rare glimpse into private spaces rendered with remarkable care and detail. The exhibition complements our recent publication, The Enchanting Interiors of Bunny Mellon, which explores the refined and personal interiors Mrs. Mellon created throughout her life. Additional Snowy drawings will also be displayed throughout the Main Residence, allowing visitors to encounter these works in some of the very spaces that inspired them.
Registration and Arrival
Tickets for this event are Timed Entry. Please plan to arrive as close to your ticketed time as possible. Note that the final entry and check-in time is 2:00 PM, and no new admissions will be permitted after that time. Guests already on-site are welcome to remain until 4:00 PM.
A Note on Accessibility
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is located in the rural foothills of the Piedmont Mountains, where the landscape includes rolling hills and uneven terrain. Much of the tour route follows gravel paths, which may not be suitable for motorized carts or walkers.
This is a fully outdoor walking tour, so we encourage you to plan ahead for your comfort and safety. Be prepared for the weather—late June in Virginia can be quite hot—and for walking approximately 1 mile over hilly terrain. We recommend wearing flat, comfortable walking shoes (no spiked heels) and taking care on steps and uneven surfaces. Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to consider these conditions before purchasing a ticket.
Photography
Guests are welcome to photograph the gardens and grounds and share their experience on social media.
📷 Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation
✖ X (formerly Twitter): @oak_spring
📘 Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation
For additional details, please visit the full FAQ page:https://www.osgf.org/tour-faq
Photo Release Statement: By attending this event, you consent to your likeness and image being used for ongoing promotional and marketing efforts.