Oakley Plantation Audubon State Commemorative Area

To commemorate the centennial of the death of famed ornithologist, naturalist and painter John James Audubon, The Garden Study Club of New Orleans reconstructed the garden at Oakley Plantation at Bayou Sara, West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. It was here in 1821 where Audubon painted 32 of his finest bird compositions for Birds of America while he was in the employ of the Pirrie family as a drawing tutor to their daughter Eliza.

With this award, The Garden Study Club of New Orleans restored the garden to its earlier glory by planting pink crepe myrtles, pink and white azaleas, camellias and old roses, all from the original color scheme. They installed wrought iron hinges and locks on the well cover and gates, copying the original designs. Boxwoods were planted and brick walls restored.

After the work was completed, the resident manager of the property (which is owned by the State of Louisiana), refused to allow members of The Garden Study Club to continue with upkeep and design of the garden. It was neglected and quickly overgrown. The plaque has been removed and was misplaced during the time of Hurricane Katrina