Working at The Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants would probably be a dream job for almost any horticulturalist; it certainly is for me. I love being a part of an organization that preserves the very spirit of one of America’s most dynamic and interesting founders. It is a feeling shared by many of my colleagues also. So, as I try to describe what it is I actually do here to friends, family, and patrons, I see a look of wonder in their eyes. I am often told how lucky I am and what a peaceful and relaxing job I must have. more »
Tom,
We are happy to help. I have just finished collecting some chicory from along the roadsides leading to Jefferson's Tufton Farm. We have cleaned a small sample of seeds and will have them and some plant material shipped out today. Anna Berkes, Monticello's research librarian,...more »
I love the story about Jefferson and his mockingbirds. I am always struck by the dichotomy of Jefferson being such an enormous figure in world history, and yet he finds pleasure in the simplest of things. Great post Peggy, thanks!more »
Hello Hai,
I assume you are referring to the quote "I have not yet begun to fight". I apologize for not attributing it to John Paul Jones. Jones was a naval officer during the American Revolutionary War. Although Thomas Jefferson and others referred to him as "little Jones" because of...more »
Hi Ann,
That is a beautiful tree. Peter Hatch said he would be happy to share some seeds with you. The ripe seeds come down in early December. If you could contact me in late November we will do our best to get them to you.
Thank you,
Brianmore »
The Lewis and Clark Expedition is one of the great tales of American history. I can only imagine the incredible endurance and determination the members of the party possessed. Not only did they cross a rugged continent of unknown wilderness (twice), they collected, cataloged, and buried large...more »
I knew of Reverend Seidel, the author, long before I met him. When I first began familiarizing myself with the botanical collections at The Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants I kept seeing "Doug" on the back of many of the identification tags.The story was always the same,...more »
Admitting some bias, I think Jefferson must have loved his gardens above all things at Monticello. The gardens are also unique among the preservation efforts at Monticello, in that we can still experience them in the way that Jefferson did. We can't lie on his bed or sit behind his desk...more »
Tom, We are happy to help. I have just finished collecting some chicory from along the roadsides leading to Jefferson's Tufton Farm. We have cleaned a small sample of seeds and will have them and some plant material shipped out today. Anna Berkes, Monticello's research librarian,...more »
I love the story about Jefferson and his mockingbirds. I am always struck by the dichotomy of Jefferson being such an enormous figure in world history, and yet he finds pleasure in the simplest of things. Great post Peggy, thanks!more »
Hello Hai, I assume you are referring to the quote "I have not yet begun to fight". I apologize for not attributing it to John Paul Jones. Jones was a naval officer during the American Revolutionary War. Although Thomas Jefferson and others referred to him as "little Jones" because of...more »
Hi Ann, That is a beautiful tree. Peter Hatch said he would be happy to share some seeds with you. The ripe seeds come down in early December. If you could contact me in late November we will do our best to get them to you. Thank you, Brianmore »
The Lewis and Clark Expedition is one of the great tales of American history. I can only imagine the incredible endurance and determination the members of the party possessed. Not only did they cross a rugged continent of unknown wilderness (twice), they collected, cataloged, and buried large...more »
I knew of Reverend Seidel, the author, long before I met him. When I first began familiarizing myself with the botanical collections at The Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants I kept seeing "Doug" on the back of many of the identification tags.The story was always the same,...more »
Admitting some bias, I think Jefferson must have loved his gardens above all things at Monticello. The gardens are also unique among the preservation efforts at Monticello, in that we can still experience them in the way that Jefferson did. We can't lie on his bed or sit behind his desk...more »