The Oak Spring Podcast

In this episode of the Oak Spring Podcast, we sit down with botanical artist and plant ecologist Lara Gastinger to explore the deep intersection of art, science, and nature observation. From her early days exploring Virginia’s landscapes to illustrating over 1,300 species for the landmark Flora of Virginia , Lara shares her journey into becoming a full-time botanical artist. She dives into the ori...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the dynamic ecological management of Oak Spring’s 700-acre landscape with our Head of Native Plant Conservation Charlotte Lorick and Wildlife Conservation and Management Specialist, Josh Rector. Josh shares his background in wildlife conservation and how techniques from studying deer impacts and trail management inform his work today—from monitoring over 6...

In this episode, we sit down with director and producer Halina Dyrschka to discuss her documentary Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint, which offers a fresh perspective on the history of modern abstract art. Halina shares the fascinating journey behind the film—from her initial reaction to seeing af Klint's work in 2013, to overcoming funding hurdles, learning Swedish, and discovering historical ev...

What can a centuries-old landscape painting tell us about the health of a historical ecosystem? Quite a lot—if you know how to look. In this episode, we sit down with  Dana Warren and Marlyse Duguid to dive behind the scenes of a recent conference at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation. This unique gathering served as a dynamic launchpad to spark conversations and bridge the gap between two tradition...

Right here at Oak Spring, in the spaces where Rachel Lambert "Bunny" Mellon cultivated her world-renowned garden, an equally intimate creative partnership blossomed. In the 1960s, Mrs. Mellon met legendary Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger, forging a lifelong kinship rooted in a shared love for the natural world. In this episode, host Chris Stafford sits down with Dr. Sylvain Cordier, P...

In this episode, we sit down with Anne "Dede" Neal Petri, the Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, whose lifelong passion for history has led her to the helm of one of America’s most storied landscapes. As Mount Vernon looks toward the monumental 300th anniversary of George Washington’s birth in 2032, Dede shares how the organization is balancing a deep reverence for the past with a for...

In this episode, we’re joined by Allissa Montgomery, Head Gardener at Oak Spring Garden Foundation, for a conversation about what it means to care for a historic garden that is both deeply rooted in the past and constantly evolving. Allissa reflects on the legacy of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon and the thoughtful design principles that continue to shape the landscape today, from plant selection to the su...

In this episode of the Oak Spring Podcast, ceramic artist Frances Palmer joins host Chris Stafford for a conversation that weaves together craft, gardens, discipline, and creative evolution. A two-time visitor to Oak Spring—first as a participant and later as an instructor—Frances reflects on the profound generosity and understated elegance of the landscape, where artists are given both tremendous...

As the inaugural president of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Peter Crane arrived from Yale University at a pivotal moment, shortly after the passing of Mrs. Mellon. The early years were both challenging and exhilarating: there were practical matters like establishing payroll and operations, as well as deeper questions about what programs the Foundation should offer and how best to steward an ex...

In this episode, we sit down with veterinarian John Mayo, who served as the primary veterinarian for Rokeby Farm, the legendary horse breeding and racing operation owned by Paul Mellon, from 1962 to 1997. Across more than three decades, Dr. Mayo played a central role in the care, training, and long-term health of some of America’s most significant Thoroughbred horses. Drawing on firsthand experien...

In this episode of the Oak Spring Podcast, host Chris Stafford explores the formative years of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation and the people who helped transform it from Bunny Mellon's private residence into a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to serving the public good. Chris first speaks with Marguerite Harden, Oak Spring’s inaugural Program Manager. She followed Sir Peter Crane, OSGF's President, f...

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, beginning with a conversation with Clif Brown, who has been stewarding the land since 1988. Clif reflects on his early years working for Mrs. Mellon, when the property was still shaped by horse meadows and Thoroughbred breeding. He shares how Mrs. Mellon taught him to see trees not just as plantings, but as scu...

Mrs. Mellon's library is at the heart of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, driving much of the research conducted by Oak Spring's residents and fellows, and providing resources and materials that help inform the foundation's gardens and programming. Its collection comprises over 19,000 objects, including 10,000 reference books, 2,000 rare books, over 200 unpublished manuscripts, and various other...

In this episode, we begin with Aleya Fraser, author of Caribbean Herbalism , who shares the rich traditions of plant medicine rooted in Caribbean communities. Aleya discusses ancestral knowledge, everyday remedies, and the cultural practices that have kept this wisdom alive across generations. Her work highlights how plants nurture resilience, connection, and healing. We then turn to Storying Plan...

In this episode, we explore the deep connections between land, seed, and self-determination through conversations with two inspiring women who have dedicated their lives to sustainable agriculture, community building, and creative expression. We begin with Ira Wallace, a seed saver, educator, and author who has been a lifelong advocate for food sovereignty. Ira is a key member of Southern Exposure...

In this episode, we sit down with Maxim Loskutof f, a writer whose fiction and essays explore the evolving landscapes and identities of the American West. From an early age, Max was drawn to stories, and he made a conscious effort to devote many years of his life to living and working in places and ways that would support his writing. Drawing from his upbringing in Missoula, Montana, he reflects o...

In this episode, we speak with evolutionary biologist and Oak Spring board member Michael Donoghue. Michael specializes in the plant genus Viburnum and has spent his career researching the history of plant genetics and evolution. He shares stories from his unconventional path into biology—shaped in part by his anthropologist parents and his mother’s later venture into sheep farming.  Michael refle...

In this episode, Chris is joined by Jason Myers-Benner and Christine Harris to explore their unique journeys and insights into sustainable agriculture and farming. Jason has carried a deep passion for growing food throughout his entire life. He and his wife, Janelle, along with their children, now grow about 80% of the food they consume on their farm. One of Jason’s special interests is chicken br...

In this episode of the Oak Spring podcast, environmental writers Ariana Benson and Ashia Ajani reflect on their creative connection and shared sensibilities. The conversation opens with Ashia describing the early spring in Oakland, California, which evokes memories of their Colorado roots and a deep appreciation for urban nature. The two writers explore spring as a season of unexpected harvest—lus...

In this episode, we feature the voices of two Oak Springers dedicated to educating their local communities about the importance of the natural world. Through exhibitions and educational programs, our two speakers activate art and plants in ways that inspire and engage learners of all ages. First, we hear from Mary Anne Redding, Curator at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State...

In this special Black History Month episode of the podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with two incredible women of color, Latifat Apatira and Maria Pinto, to explore their unique journeys and passions. Latifat shares her inspiring story of how she developed a deep interest in art and nature printing later in life, balancing her creative practice with a career as a practicing physician. Maria d...

In this episode, we feature two fascinating interviews that explore the intersection of landscape, history, nature, and personal journey. First, Paul Stamper , who leads an immersive course on the grand history of Great English Estates and Landscapes at Oak Spring, takes us on a dive into the evolution of English landscapes. Paul chats with Chris about how his personal interest in landscapes and h...

In this episode, we bring together two horticultural experts whose knowledge spans the worlds of plant science, garden design, and hands-on cultivation. Join us for two fascinating conversations with John Lonsdale, a passionate plantsman and the garden designer behind the private garden "Edgewood" in Pennsylvania, and Holly Scoggins, Ph. D., horticulturist and Associate Professor Emeritus at Virgi...

Spring daffodils may seem like a distant dream as we head into the dormant months of winter, but now is also the time when bulb planting sets the stages for next year’s bloom. This month’s episode features two bulb experts who have led programs at Oak Spring, Jason Delaney and Sara Van Beck, in conversation with each other about the art and science of daffodils and the important role they play in...

In the words of Connie Zheng, seeds hold the past and the future.  This month's episode features interviews with Jessamine Finch and Connie Zheng who each engage with the way seeds are shared and dispersed.   Jessamine speaks about her interest in the science of the natural world, and work with saving and sharing seeds, most recently on the eastern coast of the US.  Then Chris speaks to Connie Zhe...