Plants in Early American Gardens - Giant Musselburgh Leeks

Giant Musselburgh Leeks (Allium ampeloprasum cv.)

The garden leek is a Mediterranean species that was cultivated by the Egyptians as early as 3,200 BCE. Jefferson planted a variety of Flag Leek in his vegetable garden at Monticello in 1812. The Giant Musselburgh Leek originated in England in the early 1800s, and was praised by Fearing Burr in Field and Garden Vegetables of America (1863) as “[h]ardy and of excellent quality.”

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Contact The Tho Jefferson Center for Historic Plants or The Shop at Monticello 

Garden to Table - Cow's Horn Okra

Cow's Horn Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus cv.)

Thomas Jefferson frequently grew okra at Monticello after his retirement in 1809, often as a companion plant to his “tomatas.” Jefferson family recipes include various types of okra stews in which okra was blended with tomatoes and other tangy vegetables. A member of the Mallow family, okra is a highly ornamental vegetable with large, tropical leaves and handsome yellow flowers. 'Cow's Horn' is a southern heirloom variety with distinctive curved fruits.

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Contact The Tho Jefferson Center for Historic Plants or The Shop at Monticello 

18C New England Garden & Cultural Landscape

1700s New England. Sometimes said to be Thomas Banister House, in Rhode Island

Plants in Early American Gardens - Red Wethersfield Onion

Red Wethersfield Onion (Allium cepa cv.)

Thomas Jefferson grew several types of onion at Monticello, including Madeira, Spanish, Tree, and White. The Red Wethersfield Onion is a 19th-century variety that derives its name from Wethersfield, Connecticut, where it reputably originated. It forms a large, flattened bulb 5” in diameter with purplish white, mildly pungent flesh.

For more information & the possible availability
Contact The Tho Jefferson Center for Historic Plants or The Shop at Monticello 

18C Children & American Gardens out windows

 1710 Justus Engelhardt Kuhn (Colonial American artist, fl 1707-1717)  Henry Darnall III

 1710 Justus Engelhardt Kuhn (Colonial American artist, fl 1707-1717)  Henry Darnall III

Plants in Early American Gardens - Halberd-leaved Rose Mallow

Halberd-leaved Rose Mallow (Hibiscus laevis)

Halberd-leaved Rose Mallow, a large, native perennial with light pink, hollyhock-like flowers, was noted by John and William Bartram during their explorations of the South in 1765-66. “Halberd,” the name of a 15th century weapon, was given to describe its spear-shaped, triangular leaves on tall, straight stems.

For more information & the possible availability
Contact The Tho Jefferson Center for Historic Plants or The Shop at Monticello 

18C Children & American Gardens out windows

 1710 Justus Engelhardt Kuhn (Colonial American artist, fl 1707-1717) Eleanor Darnall 1704-1796

 1710 Justus Engelhardt Kuhn (Colonial American artist, fl 1707-1717) Eleanor Darnall 1704-1796