Our Virginia Trip: The Vegetable Gardens At Monticello

Monticello: Jefferson's beautiful Virginia Home & Plantation.  If you are ever in Virginia, Monticello is a must-see.  I loved it!

Since it is winter and utterly depressing in Canada, I thought I would write a quick post about our visit to beautiful Virginia, USA this summer.  David and I loved Virginia and wanted to move there after about two days there.  The climate is lovely (a little hot in summer but nicer than Canada in winter, I bet!) and it reminded me of my home province of New Brunswick, with its pretty rolling hills, lovely scenery, and oh-so-friendly people (including my sweet "cousin" Lauren).

We were mad about Virginia (it is so pretty and has several "Whole Foods", which is reason enough for me) and want to go back!

One of my favorite destinations was Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, in Charlottesville.  I think Jefferson was a fascinating fellow and I was postively smitten with him after seeing his amazing house, its stunning grounds, and learning about his passionate life and his joie du vivre!

At Monticello, one of my favorite things (besides checking out the decor) was to visit the "kitchen" garden (the flower gardens are gorgeous too!).  Back in the day, Monticello was set up to feed a crowd, not only Jefferson's extended family but also a continuous line of visiting politicians, dignitaries, academics, and thinkers from all over the USA and Europe...not to mention local farmers who often dropped by for a chat (not sure if they were invited to stay for supper though).  

Here are some photos of the vast and neatly-tended garden:

Check out the views from here of rolling hills and beautiful countryside.  The location of Monticello, high above the valley, is breathtaking:

A wooden fence I liked: 

Very pretty countryside as far as the eye can see.  This is a peaceful place:

I loved these little a-frames designed for growing peas.  I don't know what they are called, but a very clever idea:

Peppers grow here!  Pardon my enthusiasm (I tried to grow peppers once and had no luck)!

Photogenic peppers (I did not steal one):

I love these structures for vines and climbing species:

 Hope you enjoyed my quick (and unexpected) tour of Monticello's gardens.  I love me a vegetable garden and wish they'd invited me to stay for supper.

(One of the staff members told me that all the vegetables that are grown on site are shared amongst the staff! Talk about an employment bonus I would love to have - a basket of fresh veggies every week!)

P.S.  For you decor junkies, Monticello had a GORGEOUS and very tasteful gift shop.  You can check it out online HERE.