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Overview
Were Thomas Jefferson to walk the grounds of Monticello today, he would no doubt feel fully at home in the 1,000-foot terraced vegetable garden where the very vegetables and herbs he favored are thriving. Extensively and painstakingly restored under Peter J. Hatch's brilliant direction, Jefferson's unique vegetable garden now boasts the same medley of plants he enthusiastically cultivated in the early nineteenth century. The garden is a living expression of Jefferson's genius and his distinctly American attitudes. Its impact on the culinary, garden, and landscape history of the United States continues to the present day.
Graced with nearly 200 full-color illustrations, "A Rich Spot of Earth" is the first book devoted to all aspects of the Monticello vegetable garden. Hatch guides us from the asparagus and artichokes first planted in 1770 through the horticultural experiments of Jefferson's retirement years (1809–1826). The author explores topics ranging from labor in the garden, garden pests of the time, and seed saving practices to contemporary African American gardens. He also discusses Jefferson's favorite vegetables and the hundreds of varieties he grew, the half-Virginian half-French cuisine he developed, and the gardening traditions he adapted from many other countries.
Editorials
Booklist
Elegantly produced and artfully augmented by stunning, evocative photographs of the estate and the bounty it produces, Hatch's homage establishes Jefferson as the clear forefather of modern organic and sustainable garden movements.—Carol Haggas, Booklist, Starred Review— Carol Haggas
Gardens Illustrated
...there is much interesting archive material, and pleasing vegetable still-lifes composed with the care of a Dutch master.—Ambra Edwards, Gardens Illustrated— Ambra Edwards
Washington Times
Beautifully illustrated, authoritative. . . . It is wonderful to find out that the man who contributed so much to the republic in which we live also set his contemporaries—and posterity—such a salutary example in other ways as well.—Martin Rubin, Washington Times— Martin Rubin
Richmond Times-Dispatch
A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden at Monticello presents a rarely seen side of the man. Here is Jefferson with mud-splattered boots laying out garden beds and carefully setting seeds with dirty hands: a Founding Father not on a lofty pedestal, but joyfully competing with neighbors in an annual contest to see who could bring the first spring peas to table.—David Maurer, Richmond Times-Dispatch— David Maurer
Heirloom Adventures Blog
"Breathtaking. The photos are beautiful, the research is impeccable, and the story is captivating. From a historian's perspective, Hatch provides a new depth to the understanding of Jefferson's character. From a gardener's perspective, the book serves as an inspiration to grow and treasure heirlooms."—Heirloom Adventures BlogNew York Times Book Review
Digging deep into our long, illustrious tradition of presidential dirt. . . .A Rich Spot of Earth lovingly describes the 1000-foot terraced vegetable garden that was restored to its 1812 appearance under the author's able direction.—Dominique Browning, New York Times Book Review— Dominique Browning
Alice Waters
"Peter Hatch's vibrant and enthusiastic passion for preserving Thomas Jefferson's farming legacy at Monticello reminds us all of the time-tested continuity and historical root of this kind of agriculture."—Alice WatersAndrea Wulf
“In this fascinating book, Peter Hatch wonderfully weaves together his deep understanding of Monticello’s soil with his scholarly knowledge of Jefferson’s legacy as a gardener.”—Andrea Wulf, author of Founding GardenersAmy P. Goldman
“Peter Hatch is the ultimate authority on America’s ultimate vegetable garden. Learn all about the genius of the place. Hatch’s fascinating account will enrich your garden and your life.”—Amy P. Goldman, Chair of the Board, Seed Savers ExchangeP. Allen Smith
"Peter Hatch brings the horticultural legacy of Thomas Jefferson to life. A Rich Spot of Earth affords us a clear and compelling view into the revolutionary thinking of Jefferson, illuminating for the reader his approach to food, diversity, democracy, and freedom – making the genius of Jefferson, perhaps, as relevant today as at any other time in American history."—P. Allen Smith, author of The Garden Home SeriesBooklist
"Elegantly produced and artfully augmented by stunning, evocative photographs of the estate and the bounty it produces, Hatch's homage establishes Jefferson as the clear forefather of modern organic and sustainable garden movements."—Carol Haggas, Booklist, Starred ReviewGardens Illustrated
"...there is much interesting archive material, and pleasing vegetable still-lifes composed with the care of a Dutch master."—Ambra Edwards, Gardens IllustratedWashington Times
"Beautifully illustrated, authoritative. . . . It is wonderful to find out that the man who contributed so much to the republic in which we live also set his contemporaries—and posterity—such a salutary example in other ways as well."—Martin Rubin, Washington TimesRichmond Times-Dispatch
"A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden at Monticello presents a rarely seen side of the man. Here is Jefferson with mud-splattered boots laying out garden beds and carefully setting seeds with dirty hands: a Founding Father not on a lofty pedestal, but joyfully competing with neighbors in an annual contest to see who could bring the first spring peas to table."—David Maurer, Richmond Times-DispatchLawyers, Guns, and Money Blog
"The book is absolutely beautiful and tells a fascinating story. It provides pure pleasure for those interested in tasty food lavishly presented. And it opens up a new and interesting way of thinking about Jefferson, the Founding Father who remains most relevant and malleable for Americans."—Erik Loomis, Lawyers, Guns, and Money BlogNew York Times Book Review
"Digging deep into our long, illustrious tradition of presidential dirt. . . .A Rich Spot of Earth lovingly describes the 1000-foot terraced vegetable garden that was restored to its 1812 appearance under the author's able direction."—Dominique Browning, New York Times Book ReviewLibrary Journal
Hatch (director, gardens & grounds, Monticello) offers a close look at all aspects of Thomas Jefferson's terraced vegetable garden at Monticello, both past and present. He divides the book into two parts. The first richly describes the garden's history in the context of Jefferson's worldview. To Jefferson, a garden had the potential to transform society. Monticello and Jefferson come alive as Hatch describes how Jefferson designed and managed the garden in which he cultivated over 330 varieties, including new plants like okra, sea kale, eggplants, and olive trees. Readers learn, for example, that Jefferson was successful at growing hops for brewing ale but continually failed at growing grapes for wine. Hatch also devotes a chapter to his own efforts to restore the garden. The second part of the book describes the origins and uses of Monticello vegetables, listed by common name, each with its own little narrative. Well documented and researched, the work also includes hundreds of color photographs and historical images. There is also an appendix listing sources for purchasing heirloom vegetables. VERDICT Foodies, garden geeks, and history enthusiasts will enjoy this well-written and visually appealing book.—Lisa A. Ennis, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Lib.Book Details
Published
April 24, 2012
Publisher
Yale University Press
Pages
280
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780300171143