The Oak Spring Podcast

Oak Spring Garden Foundation

The Oak Spring Podcast is the voice of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, Virginia. The monthly podcast discusses how the legacy of Mrs. Bunny Mellon is continued through its courses, workshops, residencies and other public events. Guests include artists, writers, scientists, researchers and alumni whose work has become an integral part of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation community. Each episode will explore a topic related to Oak Spring's mission and calendar of events. Host: Chris Stafford Website: osgf.org Email: max@osfg.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring

  1. 13 Oct

    The Art of Seeing: Nature Journaling, Ancient Trees & Botanical Illustration with Lara Call Gastinger

    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 origins and philosophy of her signature "Perpetual Journal" practice—a simple, weekly ritual of documenting the changing seasons over 25 years. Lara offers practical advice on overcoming the pressure of perfection, building a sustainable sketching habit, and using nature journaling as both a tool for personal mindfulness and a form of advocacy for local biodiversity. Later in the conversation, Lara takes us behind the scenes of her recent Supertrees Expedition to the American West, where she served as the official traveling artist documenting ancient Bristlecone pines, massive Sequoias, and towering Redwoods. She reflects on the creative challenge of capturing the immense scale, age, and beauty of these living giants using a custom accordion-style sketchbook. Whether discussing the vibrant sap on a pinecone or the joy of recognizing repeat seasonal shifts in your own backyard, Lara inspires us to pause, look closely at the natural world, and start recording the beauty around us today. Lara's book is avaiable for purchase here. Host: Chris Stafford Oak Spring website: https://www.osgf.org/ Subscribe to the Oak Spring Newsletter: Email: programs@osgf.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation

  2. 14 Sept

    Listening to the Land: Aerial Mapping, Avian Success, and Ecological Restoration at Oak Spring

    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 60 fledged kestrels and tracking barn owls to utilizing aerial drone footage for 2D/3D mapping and tracking seasonal bloom patterns. Together, they explore how deliberate land-use choices, such as delaying fall haying to protect grassland birds, maintaining native milkweed populations, and observing unusual rainfall trends, directly foster a thriving habitat for over 2,300 documented species on site. The conversation offers a fascinating look at how aerial technology and ground-level field monitoring work hand-in-hand to reveal hidden plant communities, guide long-term tree plantings, and adapt to changing climate cycles. Charlotte and Josh also share actionable wisdom for listeners and home land-stewards—highlighting the importance of winter box maintenance, setting achievable native planting priorities, and taking the time to truly observe the native birds, insects, and flora already present on your property. Whether you are managing two acres or several hundred, this episode illustrates how tuning in to the natural rhythm of the land can shape a more resilient, biodiverse future. Host: Chris Stafford Oak Spring website: https://www.osgf.org/ Subscribe to the Oak Spring Newsletter: Email: programs@osgf.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation

  3. 17 Aug

    Beyond the Canvas: Halina Dyrschka on Hilma af Klint, Art History, and Maria Sibylla Merian

    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 evidence that proved af Klint exhibited her work during her lifetime. We also delve into Halina's time as an interdisciplinary resident at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, where she researched her upcoming documentary on Maria Sibylla Merian, the pioneering 17th-century naturalist, entomologist, and artist. You can learn more and support the film here. Host: Chris Stafford Oak Spring website: https://www.osgf.org/ Subscribe to the Oak Spring Newsletter: Email: programs@osgf.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation

  4. 20 Jul

    When Art Meets Ecology: Reimagining the History of Our Landscapes

    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 traditionally separate worlds: art history and ecology. Ecologists have long used historical artwork to infer what past environments and climates looked like. However, by collaborating directly with art historians, scientists can unlock an entirely new layer of context. Together, Dana and Marlyse explain how understanding an artist's specific techniques, intentions, and historical constraints reveals whether they were accurately documenting a specific plant in a specific place, or exercising creative license. Tune in to hear how this conference is just the beginning of exciting, cross-disciplinary collaborations and future conversations aimed at understanding our natural world through a beautiful new lens. Host: Chris Stafford Oak Spring website: https://www.osgf.org/ Subscribe to the Oak Spring Newsletter: Email: programs@osgf.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation

  5. 15 Jun

    The Secret Jewels of Bunny Mellon: Jean Schlumberger and the Art of Discretion

    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, Paul Mellon Curator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, to explore how the plants, birds, and landscapes surrounding Oak Spring today were transformed into private, wearable masterpieces. The primary aim of this breathtaking collection was not public inquiry, but instead, these objects were forged out of pure reverence and a deep sense of spirituality derived directly from the natural world. While Mrs. Mellon was notoriously discreet, the jewelry she and Schlumberger created served as a vivid, hidden diary of her life and passions. Dr. Cordier unpacks the profound philosophy behind these quiet masterpieces, tracing their journey from the private rooms of Oak Spring to their ultimate home in the VMFA holdings. Tune in to discover how this breathtaking collection—now preserved for the public—continues to radiate Mrs. Mellon's original intent: to transcend mere status and serve as an enduring, democratic source of artistic and ecological inspiration for generations to come. Host: Chris Stafford Oak Spring website: https://www.osgf.org/ Subscribe to the Oak Spring Newsletter: Email: program@osgf.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation

  6. 18 May

    The Soil of a Founding Father: Regenerative Stewardship at Mount Vernon with Anne "Dede" Neal Petri

    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 forward-thinking commitment to community engagement and land stewardship. We explore the intensive research currently being conducted on the grounds—a process that is unearthing new insights into how the estate functioned not just as a home, but as a living laboratory for conservation and preservation. We dive deep into the fascinating, "hands-on" legacy of George Washington the farmer. Long before the term was coined, Washington was practicing what we now call regenerative agriculture—experimenting with composting, soil health, and the strategic use of manure to sustain the land. Dede introduces us to the "George Washington and the Nation of Farmers" exhibit, a versatile resource designed to bring this unique history into libraries and community centers. Join us as we discuss how Washington’s impact on farming continues to inform our relationship with the earth today, and how Mount Vernon is ensuring his 300-year legacy remains rooted in the very soil he worked to protect. The exhibit is free to download here. Host: Chris Stafford Oak Spring website: https://www.osgf.org/ Subscribe to the Oak Spring Newsletter: Email: programs@osgf.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation

  7. 20 Apr

    Stewarding a Living Legacy: Gardening, Change, and the Vision of Bunny Mellon

    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 subtle interplay between structure and spontaneity. At the same time, she shares how gardening at Oak Spring requires an ongoing responsiveness to changing climates, shifting ecological conditions, and new understandings of land stewardship. From navigating extreme weather to reconsidering traditional horticultural practices, Allissa offers insight into how a garden can remain true to its original vision while adapting to the realities of the present. This episode is a thoughtful look at gardening as both preservation and transformation—an act of care that unfolds over time. Host: Chris Stafford Oak Spring website: https://www.osgf.org/ Subscribe to the Oak Spring Newsletter: Email: programs@osgf.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation

  8. 17 Mar

    Frances Palmer: Terracotta, Topiaries, and the Art of Working with Your Hands

    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 trust and deep access. Inspired by the topiaries, greenhouses, historic terracotta pots, and the legacy of Bunny Mellon, Frances designed a hands-on course that guided students from studying Oak Spring’s living collections and library holdings to building their own terracotta vessels. In a powerful full-circle gesture, she fired the pots in her own studio and mailed them back to her students, completing a process rooted in tradition, stewardship, and making. Frances also traces her own winding path—from early ambitions in printmaking to studying art history at Barnard and Columbia, working at MoMA PS1, and ultimately building a ceramic studio at home after the birth of her daughter. A maker at heart, she speaks about the discipline of daily practice, the unpredictable magic of the kiln, and the deep parallels between tending a garden and working with clay—both require guidance, then surrender. With reflections on craftsmanship, mentorship, and the resurgence of interest in fine craft, Frances offers insight for emerging artists: repetition builds mastery, exposure helps—but long-term devotion to your practice is what sustains it. Host: Chris Stafford Oak Spring website: https://www.osgf.org/ Subscribe to the Oak Spring Newsletter: Email: programs@osgf.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation

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About

The Oak Spring Podcast is the voice of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, Virginia. The monthly podcast discusses how the legacy of Mrs. Bunny Mellon is continued through its courses, workshops, residencies and other public events. Guests include artists, writers, scientists, researchers and alumni whose work has become an integral part of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation community. Each episode will explore a topic related to Oak Spring's mission and calendar of events. Host: Chris Stafford Website: osgf.org Email: max@osfg.org Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation Twitter: @oak_spring

Information

  • Creator
    Oak Spring Garden Foundation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Oak Spring Garden Foundation
  • Show Website
    The Oak Spring Podcast

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