Mission & Values

Plants. People. Possibilities. 

The mission of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is to perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel (“Bunny”) Lambert Mellon, including her residence, garden, estate and the Oak Spring Garden Library, to serve the public interest. OSGF is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being.

Consistent with the strong and loyal support that Mrs. Mellon provided to many individuals during her lifetime, a major focus for OSGF will be to invest in people and encourage the development of individuals who can be leaders in advancing our mission.

Also, consistent with Bunny Mellon’s life and passion, three key principles will help guide future investments by OSGF:  

Theory + Practice

Integrating the best thinking with advanced practice, in line with Bunny Mellon’s active engagement with both her Library and her garden.

Underrepresented Voices

Nurturing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusion, reflecting Bunny Mellon’s unique influence at a time when women had a more marginalized role in society. 

Interdisciplinarity

Integrative approaches that bring together sciences, humanities and social sciences for their mutual benefit and to realize the full potential of Bunny Mellon’s legacy.