Colonial & Early American Gardens

17C Europeans landing on America's East Coast coped with new weather patterns & geography by creating spaces to meet basic needs for shelter, food, & safety. As time passed, most still grew food plants; but with expanding families & importation of indentured servants & slaves, farm fields often became export enterprises. In the 18-19C, many gentry transformed their formal gardens into art to project a desired image to others - their wealth, power, refinement, & beliefs.

Monday, June 3, 2019

History Blooms at 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.