Plant a Jeffersonian Garden

The gardens at Monti cello are undeniably beauti ful. Jefferson enjoyed spending his spare ti me among the fruits and vegetables. You can apply his principles to create your own backyard paradise. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and keep detailed records that you can refer back to. Join gardening groups to swap seeds, stories, and advice with other gardeners.

DO JUST A LITTLE DIGGING into the history of American gardening, and you’ll soon discover Thomas Jefferson’s deep love of horticulture. A favorite quote among those of us with dirt under our nails is, “No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.” I’d bet most gardeners feel the same way — there’s always more to learn.

If you spend any time at all reading about Jefferson’s gardening habits, or even visiting his hilltop plantation, Monticello, you’ll want to