A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Garden at Monticello

Director of Gardens and Grounds at Monticello Peter Hatch will discuss his book, "A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Garden at Monticello" at 3:00 PM on Monday, April 16 at Lotusland. The talk and book showcase Jefferson’s amazing vegetable garden, its uniquely American characteristics, and its lasting influence on American culinary, garden, and landscape history. Extensively and painstakingly restored under Peter Hatch’s direction, the 1,000-foot terraced vegetable garden now boasts the same medley of plants that Jefferson cultivated in the early 19th century.

Anticipating healthy living advice that would be extolled two centuries later, Jefferson wrote, “I have lived temperately, eating little animal food, and that…as a condiment for the vegetables which constitute my principal diet.”

Mr. Hatch has been responsible for the maintenance, interpretation and restoration of the 2,400 acre landscape at Monticello since 1977. He has written several previous books on Jefferson’s gardens and is an advisor for First Lady Michelle Obama’s White House kitchen garden.

A reception will follow where Mr. Hatch will talk informally and sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase.