Food, Cider, and Mobility: The Story of Johnny Appleseed
Zack Loehle
John Chapman - better known as Johnny Appleseed - was born 246 years ago today. Read all about the industrious nurseryman and his role in the history of American apples.
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Blog Posts
Native Flowers for the Late-Season Garden
Emily Ellis
Read about several late-season native flowers and native hybrids - all lovely, low-maintenance, and pollinator favorites - that are currently spilling from our garden beds.
Read MoreBird Conservation at the ACE Basin
OSGF
In participation with the Biodiversity Heritage Library's Earth Optimism campaign, we spoke to conservationist Charles Lane about his decades of work to protect South Carolina’s ACE Basin watershed. Click on this post to watch a video about the project, which is conserving vital habitat for wetland birds.
Read MoreAlexander Wilson: America's First Birdman
Emily Ellis
One of the most interesting natural history texts in the Oak Spring Garden Library was penned by Alexander Wilson - the “father of American ornithology” that many people haven’t heard of.
Read MoreBringing Back the Birds
Emily Ellis
This year, Oak Spring staff and researchers have seen a marked increase in bobolinks at the foundation, a declining grassland bird species. Read about how our land management practices are supporting bobolinks and other threatened ground-nesting birds.
Read MorePaths Part One: On Gratitude
Caitlin Etherton
At the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, we’re fortunate to have a skilled stonemason on staff whose beautiful work guides us through the property. Read Greenhouse Manager Caitlin Etherton’s essay on paths at Oak Spring.
How to Start an Herb Tree
Emily Ellis
Learn how to start your own miniature topiary, or herb tree, from one of OSGF’s experienced gardeners.
Read MoreCelebrating Women Environmental Activists
Emily Ellis
Throughout history, women around the world have been at the frontlines of environmental activism. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment, we’re highlighting several inspirational women who defend the environment and their communities.
Read MoreRemembering Bunny Mellon
Emily Ellis
To celebrate our founder Bunny Mellon’s 110th birthday, we compiled a list of ten simple ways to remember and honor her kindness, intellect, and appreciation for the natural world.
Read MoreMeet our Fellows: Q&A with Flower Book Researcher Jessie Wei-Hsuan Chen
OSGF
Meet one of our 2020 Stacy Lloyd Fellows, Jessie Wei Hsuan-Chen, and learn about her research into seventeenth-century flower books and historical color remaking.
Read MoreMeet our Fellows: Q&A with John Bradby Blake Researcher Josepha Richard
OSGF
Meet one of our 2020 Stacy Lloyd Fellows, Josepha Richard, and learn about her research into botanist/trader John Bradby Blake.
Read MoreSummer Harvest Tips for the Garden
Caitlin Etherton
Did you, like many Americans, plant your first garden this spring? Knowing the right time to harvest can result in tastier produce and a more manageable shelf life. Read this latest blogpost for tips on harvesting your summer garden!
Read MoreConserving an Oak Spring Masterpiece
OSGF
Two art conservators discuss the process of restoring a piece of Oak Spring history.
Read MoreOf Birds and Meadows: Q&A with artist Kandis Phillips
OSGF
Read our Q&A with 2020 Botanical Artist in Residence Kandis Phillips.
Read MoreOak Spring Summer Daiquiris
OSGF
To celebrate the Fourth of July, Oak Spring staff show you how to make two refreshing summer daiquiris: one a classic recipe favored by Mrs. Mellon, and one a more modern recipe using fresh produce from our Biocultural Conservation Farm. Cheers!
Read MoreFlower Power: Flower Symbolism in LGBTQ+ History
Emily Ellis
To celebrate Pride Month, we’re exploring the symbolism of several powerful flowers in LGBTQ+ history. Click on the link to read more.
Read MoreThe Future is Bright
Emily Ellis
Our friends at the Biodiversity Heritage Library launched their Earth Optimism blog series today, and to celebrate, we’re sharing some of our own conservation success stories from 2020. Click on the link to read more!
Read MoreComing up Roses
Emily Ellis
June is the month of roses, a plant that has been entangled in human history and culture for millennia. Read several facts about the fascinating flower, and about the roses we grow in the Oak Spring Formal Garden.
Read MoreReading on Racism and the Environment
OSGF
Racism, environmentalism, and climate change are closely linked. Here is a reading list of article and essays we have compiled that examine these important issues.
Read MoreRaising Baby Chicks with the BCCF
OSGF
The Biocultural Conservation Farm talks you through the process of brooding baby chicks in this educational video.
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