Willi, James and Monti

Willi, James and Monti, as in Williamsburg, Jamestown and Monticello- where we spent our 4th of July holiday. This was my first time to all of these places and as a person who enjoys American history, I enjoyed it tremendously. There was so much to absorb history-wise... there were fifes and drums, british soldiers, Benedict Arnold, Pocahontas, John Smith, Thomas Jefferson, I could go on; Wills must have been tired of me saying things like (as we walked along the James River in Jamestown) "Do you think Pocahontas stepped right here?" as I slowly lifted my foot up and back down to the ground.
Even with all that history at each destination, I could not help but be drawn to the gardens. To me, that sparked the most imagination in that I wondered how people in the 17th and 18th century tended their gardens, what did they use to water with, did they pull weeds, did servants take care of the garden, did they take pride in their gardens or only simply have them out of necessity? The above pictures are from random gardens we saw while in Williamsburg.
I love gardens. I love seeing other people's gardens, I love to talk about gardens and I love to learn about the history of gardening. I couldn't have imagined what an impact Thomas Jefferson's gardens at Monticello would have on me. Below are a few pictures from Monticello. To me, the picture of the garden pavillion is more iconic than Jefferson's house itself. I can just picture T.J. taking a long break to read or rest in the pavillion after a long stroll through his orchards, vineyard and vegetable garden.














I absolutely enjoyed every second I was there, taking it all in and just being there was special to me. While we toured the house at Monticello the guide pointed out amazing artifacts and paintings of patriots and presidents all of which I was happy to see; BUT as soon as she pointed out an 18th century wooden seed cabinet made by hand at Monticello in which T.J. kept his seeds that he gathered and labeled for the next year, I felt the tour was complete! The cabinet was plain, no frills, but to me it was the most interesting piece in the house.