Monticello visit

Areas around Thomas Jefferson's home are oval flower beds.   The west lawn is bordered by a winding flower border.
Because they could be shipped easily, Tulips, Anemones and hyacinths were plentiful in the gardens.  Tulips are  mentioned the most in Jefferson's garden book, planted in 1807 from Europe.

When Jefferson died  in 1826, his flower gardens disappeared.  Between 1939 and 1941 the gardens were revived by the Garden club of Virginia.  Researchers found sketches by Jefferson of the West Lawn winding  border walk and oval border plan.   They were able to find raised areas around the West lawn by shining their car headlights across the lawn at night.   Many of the species grown are geraniums, zinnias, French and African marigold among others.  700 species of seeds yearly; Jefferson received from Paris.  The plants look more like like wildflowers because they are leggy and have more foliage than flowers.  I think they look lacy and beautiful .    I bought some seeds from the gift shop in Monticello that come from the plants grown on the property.  I can't wait to see how they turn out,  especially the prickly poppy with variegated leaves.    I want to visit in the spring next year to see the spring flowers.

winding flower walk on west lawn

 
Peruvian Zinnias

cockscomb

Josephs coat

foxglove

 flower beds at house

prickly poppy

tuber rose

 vegetable garden

 beautiful view of mountains from Monticello

grapes

 Lavender cotton

 Fish caught in the river were kept in this pond til ready for use

Rosemary and other herbs on left side of walkway

 I couldn't get over how large the Ivy vine is

 Kitchen

 old wine bottle found on property

I couldn't help but notice the huge tree - gorgeous

 horse stable

 Jefferson grave

 and family cemetary

 gate to cemetary

flowers planted on grave blooming

There is so much to see and learn at Monticello.