From Wild Origins to Oak Spring

Oak Spring Garden Foundation

An Immersive Course in Garden Bulbs

Experience the excitement of spring bulbs with Jason Delaney and learn all about their culture and history.

Join Jason Delaney and the OSGF Horticulture and Library staff for a colorful, immersive course on geophytes, affectionately known as “bulbs.”  From their humble, wild origins to their cherished role and presence at Oak Spring, Jason will discuss their historical trade and early commercial representation, contemporary use, culture, and production, and share a life-long bulb gardener’s perspective on his favorite bulbs, their varied applications, and how to grow them to perfection. You will participate in informative, demonstrative walking tours throughout the gardens, production facilities, and greater property to see bulbs utilized at every level. Explore extant bulbs Bunny Mellon knew and cherished along the walking paths and in the gardens. Visually rich, historical insight will be woven into the programming by way of the treasure in OSGF’s Library, Bunny Mellon’s personal catalogs, orders, and grower correspondence, and Jason’s personal archived historic bulb catalog collection. Jason will also provide an in-depth glimpse into his own professional gardening career and life as a daffodil enthusiast.

APPLY BY DECEMBER 1, 2025