“Land and ecosystem preservation inspired my love of horticulture when I realized just how fundamental plants are to our existence on earth, to the health and diversity of our environment, and for creating a sustainable culture, says Eric Jackson, Director of Horticulture at Old Salem Museum and Gardens in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Eric is a descendant of the Bethania Moravians of Old Salem, born and reared in Winston-Salem. He has worked at Old Salem for twelve years tending historic garden recreations and stewarding a corresponding historic plant and seed collection.
Eric recently joined the Southern Garden History Society Board of Directors.
Old Salem was founded by German-speaking members of the Moravian Church in 1766. The history-centered organization Old Salem, Inc. began in 1950 when a group of dedicated volunteers began the work of restoring and preserving the town and gardens for future generations.
In 1971 Flora Ann Bynum, one of the founders of Southern Garden History Society in 1982, began the work of organizing the restoration and recreation of authentic Old Salem gardens and landscapes, which the New York Times described as “one of the most authentic of any outdoor museum in America.” Flora Ann and Old Salem went on to present a biennial conference Restoring Southern Gardens and Landscapes that continued for forty years. Read about that conference here.
Old Salem Museum and Gardens continues doing its fine history and horticulture work with the able help of Eric Jackson. Enjoy this seven-minute video about Forestry in Old Salem hosted by Eric Jackson.
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