Who is your favorite president?
Mine is Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson's life was guided by science, reason, and curiosity. He loved gardens, arguably advancing America's agriculture more than any other national leader.
"I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural."
This past August we were lucky enough to spend time in Jefferson's gardens at Monticello. We soaked in his forward-thinking rain catchment, wild experimentation and clear appreciation of nature. Touring his home, we found constant reminders of his practicality and commitment to lifelong learning.
"I look to the diffusion of light and education as the resource to be relied on for ameliorating the condition, promoting the virtue, and advancing the happiness of man."
As I look out on a constantly snow-covered garden this winter, I'm buoyed by the thought of seeds I purchased at Monticello. Jefferson once wrote to his wife "You will be out in time to begin your garden, and that will tempt you to be out a great deal, than which nothing will tend more to give you health and strength." May we all be out in the garden, healing and strengthening ourselves, soon.
