On April 29, 2008, sedum37 from Westford, MA wrote:
The gardens at Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home in Charlottesville) are very impressive. We visited in late April and we treated to some spectacular beds of tulips blooming and spring flowering trees on the property (redbuds, dogwoods, crabapples, etc.). Also on the property are labeled mature speciman trees, grape vines, an orchard, extensive vegetable and herb gardens and other flowering beds. In April the vegetable and herb gardens were newly tilled, planted and growing. The gardens feature plants Jefferson wrote about in his journals. At the gift shop you can buy the same plants and seeds that are grown on the estate. There are free tours of the gardens (no reservations required) that are highly recommended. Be sure to tour the house (by scheduled time) as it is also fascinating to learn about Jefferson and his many interests. Best to tour the house earliest in the day or you can schedule a time via the web site. Excellent and highly recommeded!!!