Early American Gardens

Initially European immigrants to the Atlantic coast of North America tried to gain some control over the new weather patterns & geography by creating physical spaces to meet their basic needs for shelter, food, family, health, & safety. Farm fields often evolved into commercial export enterprises. As time passed, many well-to-do turned their personal gardens into an art form attempting to project their desired image to others - their wealth, power, refinement, beliefs, & knowledge.

Monday, June 3, 2019

Blooming Today in the Mid-Atlantic - Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Peggy Cornett at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello tells us that

In 1811 Thomas Jefferson recorded the planting of “Lathyrus odoratus. Sweet scented pea" in an oval flower bed at Monticello. Painted Lady Sweet Pea is a highly scented, pink and white bicolor variety, which was in cultivation by the 1730s and popular in American gardens through the 19th century.