A Rich Spot of Earth Thomas Jefferson Foundation
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- Leisure
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A podcast about Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, gardening, and the natural world.
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Roses, Strawberries, Tulip Poplars and Fringe Trees
This month we focus on a classic: the garden rose. We also talk tiny strawberries and look at two native trees that are flowering right now. Featuring Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants; Michael Tricomi, Manager and Curator of Historic Gardens; Debbie Donley, Flower Gardener; and Robert Dowell, Senior Nursery Associate at the Thomas Jefferson Center Historic Plants.
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Fruit Grafting and Jefferson's Favorite Garden Nurseries
According to a gardening manual from Jefferson’s time, April is the month to graft fruit trees. So in this episode, we cut into the practice of grafting and explain it's critical to the fruit you eat every day. We also look at Jefferson's favorite nurseries along with the historic and modern nurseries at Monticello, and highlight the upcoming Center for Historic Plants Open Houses in April and May. Oh, there's pomegranates, too. Featuring Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants; Michael Tricomi, Manager and Curator of Historic Gardens; Debbie Donley, Flower Gardener; and Robert Dowell, Senior Nursery Associate at the Thomas Jefferson Center Historic Plants.
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Gardening Granddaughters, Hyacinths, and Tree Clumps
It's March at Monticello and the natural world is starting to wake up. Bloodroot, Lenten rose, hyacinths, peach and pear trees are all in bloom. As Jefferson put it, "Spring" makes "a paradise of our country." It’s also Women's History Month and today we're going to talk about two of Jefferson's granddaughters who helped him in the garden. Featuring Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants; Michael Tricomi, Manager and Curator of Historic Gardens; Debbie Donley, Flower Gardener; and Robert Dowell, Senior Nursery Associate at the Thomas Jefferson Center Historic Plants.
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Gardens of Enslaved Families, Pruning
This month we look at the gardens enslaved families tended for themselves to supplement rations and provide additional income, and discuss how these small gardens figured prominently in the larger plantation economy. We also look at the beneficial practicing of pruning and offer tips for when and how to prune your plants. Featuring Justin Bates, Manager of Special Programs; Michael Tricomi, Manager and Curator of Historic Gardens; Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants; Debbie Donley, Flower Gardener; and Robert Dowell, Senior Nursery Associate at the Thomas Jefferson Center Historic Plants.
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Greenhouses, Historic and Modern
The crew from Gardens and Grounds here discusses Monticello's modern, historic, and unrealized greenhouses, and share tips and techniques for caring for your plants during the winter. Featuring Michael Tricomi, Manager and Curator of Historic Gardens; Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants; Debbie Donley, Flower Gardener; and Robert Dowell, Senior Nursery Associate at the Thomas Jefferson Center Historic Plants.
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Winter Interest, Holiday Decorating, and Wreaths!
Winter not only brings cold weather to Monticello, it offers two special ways to experience the house and surrounding grounds. Our Holiday Evening Tours present rare opportunities to tour the house after dark and beautifully decorated for the holidays. And our annual Wreath Workshops feature decorations from the natural world around Monticello gathered throughout the year. Featuring Michael Tricomi, Manager and Curator of Historic Gardens; Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants; Debbie Donley, Flower Gardener; and Lou Hatch, Monticello Guide and veteran Wreath Workshop instructor.
Customer Reviews
A great podcast find
I love visiting the gardens at Monticello and growing heirloom flowers and vegetable. Fortunately, I just stumbled upon this new podcast. I like how it is presented and hope to learn much more about the plants and gardening practices at Monticello so that I may incorporate more if them in my own garden.