Thomas Jefferson, America's third president, was also an innovative gardener whose efforts are still on display at Monticello.
Jefferson's Garden
Aerial view of Monticello Mountain (Leonard G. Phillips)
Monticello's south orchard with vegetable gardens and vineyards. (Monticello/Leonard G. Phillips)
Thomas Jefferson began growing grapes as early as 1770. (Monticello/Thomas Jefferson Foundation)
Thomas Jefferson's first recorded planting, of "Tennis Ball" lettuce, was in 1809. It is one of 15 varieties grown at Monticello. (Monticello/Thomas Jefferson Foundation)
Tree onions are among the few species that remain from Jefferson's time. (VOA - R. Skirble)
Thomas Jefferson labeled all of his plants and kept meticulous records of their health. (VOA - R. Skirble)
Monticello squash (VOA - R. Skirble)
Monticello red peppers in late summer (VOA - R. Skirble)
Thomas Jefferson grew 'Indian Blood Cling' peaches at Monticello. (Monticello/Thomas Jefferson Foundation)
The artichokes that are left to go to seed are packaged for visitors to purchase. (VOA - R. Skirble)
Thomas Jefferson was 78 and still gardening when this portrait by Thomas Sully was painted in 1821. (Thomas Jefferson Foundation)
Visitors can sample a rich array of vegetables each day in the Cafe at Monticello. (Monticello/Lisa Stites)