Garden Explorers Family Program

Thomas Jefferson was not only a founding father --- he was a founding gardener! Jefferson grew 330 varieties of vegetables and 170 varieties of fruits in his lifetime, many of which were considered new and unusual here in America at the time. In this new program offering, Monticello staff will lead families on a 90 minute hands-on experience in Jefferson's restored vegetable garden. Plant seeds in the garden, pick and eat a snack fresh from the earth, and run a relay race. Go home with your own little morsel of history: seeds from Thomas Jefferson's garden!  Suggested for families with children ages 5-10     

Fruits, Roots, and Leaves, Oh My!   July 14 and July 28

Stretch your legs and your imagination! Learn about how Thomas Jefferson designed and organized his garden terrace. Explore the garden with a scavenger hunt, looking for plants grown long ago. Sketch cool, unusual plants in your own scientific journal, just like Lewis and Clark. Come together to sample some fruits, roots, and leaves, and choose your own to plant in the Monticello garden. Keep track of your plant on the Monticello website. (Raindates: July 21 and July 29)

“Peas Come to Table”  October 6 and October 13

Thomas Jefferson loved peas. He devoted one-fifth of his garden to growing peas, grew 19 varieties of peas throughout his life, and held a pea-growing contest with his neighbors each spring.  Enjoy story time in the garden to hear more about this true story of Jefferson's love for a legume. Harvest different varieties of seasonal fruits or vegetables for tasting and comparing in true Jefferson style. Start your own growing contest with members of your family and new friends, then stay connected through the Monticello Online Community to discover the winner!  (Raindates: October 7 and October 14)