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.

Monticello

My husbands brother and sister in law came for a visit last week.   We had a wonderful time touring around town.   We also took a little ride to the mountains to visit Thomas Jefferson's estate.  The third President of the United States,  author of the Declaration of Independence and the statute of Va. for Religious freedom, also founder of the University of Va.. 
Such an interesting tour,  a genius he was.   With the land he inherited from his father, Jefferson built Monticello when he was 26 years old.  When we enter the home, it is through the back entrance , the same area that carriages would bring guests.   In the entrance hall there is a mezzanine that connects the upper floors two wings.   From the outside - the home looks to be one level with the long narrow windows and their placement.
The second floor starts  at the ledge of the 9 panes on top of the 12.  
Our tour guide told us that Jefferson did not like the waste of heat and space with an exposed staircase.    I understand that their are tours of the upstairs, but for some reason we could not take that tour on this day.    I understand that as many as 25 family members would live at Monticello at times, and that the upstairs is small.  Areas they would sleep would be small sleeping alcoves.  Nine bedrooms with the famous Dome room.

Our entrance

closer view of window placement (enlarge to see clearer)

in this picture is the University of Va. as seen from Monticello

Bill and Luann with Mr. Jefferson

I will show some of the gardens tomorrow

A day with Mom and Donna

My mom, sister Donna and I went to visit Amy (Donna's daughter) a few weeks back who is in college at JMU.   Along the way we had lunch at the Hickory Notch grill,  yum mm.   We had to  make  a stop at the  Horton winery,  Mom and Donna tasted some wine and checked out the beautiful roses blooming in the front entrance. 

beautiful stained glass hanging above table

back patio for dining outside



 

fireplace near our table

I like the way that a tree limb is used to hold the curtain valance

beautiful view of the blue ridge mountains in Va. - Horton Winery

entrance to winery

mom heading inside after stopping to smell the roses

Donna and Mom

 Grandma, Amy and Donna in Amy's room
Mom will be 89 - November the 23 and she still made it up 3 flights of steps to Amy's apt.
Pretty darn good I should say.



Happy Sunday

Been a while since I posted due to death of my brother.   So glad to finally feel like doing so.
I made a wreath for my door yesterday,  probably will make another before the day is over, I am not to happy with this one, but I used what I had.   Notice the  reflection of the trees in the door glass, so glad I cleaned my windows too.

Roses store, here in town had the most beautiful Mums - can't beat the price of 3 for 10 dollars

here are two little ones I hung near my  lamp post

with violas

This red one- I purchased 2 seasons ago.  Can't  believe it survived and bloomed like it has.

Through the Garden Gate is where I purchased these two vintage pics.   The glass is convex and they cost me $9.00 for the pair,  one of them in the corner had a piece of glass that was broken out,  a very small area.  I just liked them and didn't care about the break.

I painted these little urns grey,  then sprayed some camouflage beige paint on them

Inside are sticks and a  tiny pumpkin.  I sprayed some leaves that fell to the ground with clear spray.

a piece of burlap is in there also.

The  next two are without the flash, I had to enhance them

Sort of like the effect

I am off to get some more sticks outside to decorate some large pots in the house.