JAMESTOWN — The Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation recently accepted a donation from the Green Spring Garden Club to support the care and maintenance of the Ellen B. Kelso Memorial Garden.
The garden, located in front of the historic Yeardley House, is a place where staff and visitors enjoy the plants and herbs that would have been grown on the island in the 17th century, according to the foundation.
The foundation noted over the last two years, members of the Herb Society of America, Colonial Triangle of Virginia unit have revitalized the garden to include plants native to Virginia, European plants imported by the early settlers, and others that would’ve been familiar to the 17th-century residents of Jamestown.
In addition to the opportunity to learn about native plants, Jamestown Rediscovery said the garden includes picnic tables and shady spots where visitors can relax and reflect on their trip to Jamestown.
The garden was named in honor of Ellen Kelso, the late wife of archaeologist Bill Kelso. A resident of the island for more than twenty-five years, she is known as Jamestown’s “First Lady” who cared for all the staff, in particular the archaeologists, often making lunch or cookies to enjoy after a long day in the field. An avid gardener, the Memorial Garden is dedicated to her.
Marie Bond, President of Green Spring Garden Club said, “The Green Spring Garden Club
has chosen to honor Ellen’s memory because of her support of our community and her service as a Hostess and Arranger during our signature event, the Christmas Tour of Homes. Alongside her husband Bill, whose dedication to archaeology in the Historic Triangle brought new life to our community, Ellen was a treasured friend.”
In May, representatives of the Green Spring Garden Club presented their donation to Bill Kelso, Director Emeritus, and Denise Kellogg, the foundation’s Director of Development. The foundation says it is grateful to The Green Spring Garden Club for its generous and ongoing support.
