Now, for my Wednesday post. Today, I'd like to talk about Thomas Jefferson. It seems apropos to do so, since President's Day was this week. Over the last couple of years I have done a lot of reading about our founding fathers; specifically, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. I find myself fascinated by these two men, their lives, and their friendship.
One of the things I find most fascinating is that they were both gardeners! Now, being a gardener myself....a master gardener volunteer, in fact; I am interested in how they gardened and the plants they choose to grow. So, last holiday season I had found a book on Amazon called Jefferson's Garden by Peter Loewer (2004). I asked for it as a present from my mom. Well, it was out of stock. She, however, always trying to please, sent me money to buy the book when it came back in stock. I just did that and got the book yesterday! ( I love how you can save things in your amazon cart)!
Like a vulture, waiting a warm meal; I dove into this book last night. Although I haven't gotten very far, I have already learned several things. The book starts by talking about the importance of seeds in America; where they came from and how the big seed companies got started! The book implies that Jefferson, among other men, were instrumental in bringing seeds to America (remember, he travelled often to Europe) and saving certain varieties for proliferation here.
Now, I have done a lot with seeds over my course as a gardener. I've planted many, saved a few, and most importantly taught school aged children about their contents (a baby plant) and germination! Thanks to this new book, I'll have a new appreciation for seeds and perhaps a new story to tell my garden club students! After all, we all know who Thomas Jefferson was....President, Statesman, Author, Patriot, Founding Father ........and Gardener!
I can't wait to read more!
Thanks for stopping by for my Wednesday post!
Carol
