Saturdays in the Garden Calendar
Sep. 10, 2010
Historic Plants Symposium
The 7th biennial symposium, entitled "Come to Table—Historic Plants in the Kitchen," will focus on the garden’s harvest in early American recipes from a regional perspective. Speakers include New England food historian Sandy Oliver, heirloom vegetable collector and author William Woys Weaver, and John Martin “Hoppin’ John” Taylor, author and expert on Charleston foodways and Lowcountry cuisine, along with Monticello’s Leni Sorensen on African-American cooking and Peter Hatch with a look at Thomas Jefferson’s vegetable garden and kitchen.
Meets at CHP's Tufton Farm barn. 
Sep. 10, 2010
Dinner and Evening with Rosalind Creasy at Monticello
Rosalind Creasy, the pioneering author of The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping and Rosalind Creasy’s Recipes from the Garden will share her vast knowledge of cooking and gardening during a discussion of new ideas in preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables. Patti Moreno, host of the Boston-based "Garden Girl TV" show, will also be on hand to discuss her work with urban sustainable gardening and her innovative methodology for growing food in small spaces, roof-tops, and even indoors. Following the discussion, enjoy a specially prepared dinner including fresh, locally grown ingredients. $50.00. Friday, September 10, 6:30pm, at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center Theater.
Sep. 11, 2010
Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello
Co-sponsored with the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, the fourth annual Heritage Harvest Festival will be held on the grounds of Monticello. The festival is a family-oriented, educational event that highlights organic gardening; the preservation of traditional agriculture and regional food; and includes tastings, informative workshops, and talks by authorities such as William Woys Weaver, Tom Burford, Barbara Pleasants, Barbara Melera, and Jeanine Davis. Sharon Astyk, author of the Jefferson-inspired, A Nation of Farmers, will be a new addition to the lineup of speakers this year.
For more information visit heritageharvestfestival.com.
Heritage Harvest Festival Premium Workshops
Virginia Cider Making with Tom Burford
9 a.m., Garden tent
Hens in the Hood and Broilers in the Backyard: Practical Advice for Raising Chickens for Eggs and Meat with Guinevere Higgins and Leni Sorensen
10 a.m., Mountain Tent
Mushroom Cultivation with Mark Jones
10 a.m., Garden Tent
"Thomas Jefferson and Natural History" Woodland Walk with Peggy Cornett
10 a.m. (sold out) and 1:30 p.m., Fish Pond
Seed Saver’s Monticello Vegetable Garden Tour with Pat Brodowski
11:30 a.m. (sold out) and 3 p.m., Fish Pond
Mainstreaming Heirloom Vegetables: Why They are Important for the Environment and for Good Nutrition with William Woys Weaver
11:30 a.m., Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Sustainable Urban Gardening with Patti Moreno, the Garden Girl
11:30 a.m., Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Heirloom Vegetables with William Woys Weaver
11:30 a.m., Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Vegetable Gardening: First-Season Success, Yes! with Barbara Pleasant
1:30 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Medicine Making 101 with Kathleen Maier
1:30 pm, Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Seed Saver's Monticello Flower Garden Tour with Debbie Donley
1:30 p.m., Fish Pond
Hands-On How to Propagate Your Own Woodland Botanicals with Dr. Jeanine Davis
3 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center
Wine/Vinegar Making with Gabriele Rausse
3 p.m., Garden Tent
Learn more about the Festival's Free and Premium Workshops »
Sep. 18, 2010
Montalto Trek
Join Peter Hatch for a strenuous, 1,000-foot vertical hike up Montalto, Jefferson’s “high mountain.” Walk through a mature forest then break onto cleared pastureland with unobstructed views of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and, of course, Monticello. A two-and-a-half-hour trek for the fittest. Reservations required. Meets at the Thomas Jefferson Parkway Lower Trailhead, 9:30 a.m. $10.
Sep. 18, 2010
Wine Festival at Monticello
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fine wine and live music. Sample the region’s best wines on Monticello's beautiful West Lawn while enjoying the rare opportunity to stroll around the gardens after hours and learn about Jefferson’s passion for wine and his recently restored wine cellar. Local wine experts will be on hand to answer questions about our region’s finest wines and how they compare to the vintages that Jefferson enjoyed. Reserved tables for 8 or more are available and include a gourmet cheese board, 3 bottles of house wine and a special tour of Jefferson’s wine cellar. Please call Kathy Del Rosso at 434-984-9826 to purchase a reserved table.
Gourmet bread and cheese boxes available for advance purchase only; $30 (serves two).**
There are a limited number of tickets available and all tickets are advance purchase only. Buy your tickets on line or by calling the reservations office at (434) 984-9881.
Ticket price is $45 through August 18th and $55 after August 18th. Ticket price includes general admission, a walk-through house tour, commemorative tasting glass, wine tastings, and parking. Early purchase is recommended to guarantee availability. No group discounts.
**Consists of local cheeses, Everona Dairy Pride of Bacchus (sheep’s milk soaked in red wine); Caromont Farm Green Mountain Chevre; Salami Bites with a Plum Apricot Mustard made by the Café at Monticello using fruits from the orchard at Monticello; Green Olives pickled with Orange & Fennel; Spiced Almonds; Dried Peaches/Pears; two Mini Baguettes; Gearhart Chocolates and a Dried Cherry White Chocolate Biscotti.
Sep. 25, 2010
Seed Saving Workshop
The historic tradition of seed saving in America provides a meaningful model for modern gardeners eager to get the most from their gardens. Many special (and more common) garden plants are unavailable from commercial sources and need to be preserved from year to year. Learn the dynamics of seed production—pollination, timing, seed identification, cleaning, and storing—then visit the gardens for a hands-on collecting demonstration. Debbie Donley, Monticello’s Flower Gardener, and Pat Brodowski, Monticello’s Vegetable Gardener, will lead this two-and-a-half-hour workshop. Meets at the Garden Center, Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center, 9:30 a.m. $10
Sep. 29, 2010
Virginia Wine Month Kickoff Celebration
The Governor’s Cup for White Wines will be presented to one lucky Virginia winery as the kickoff event for October Virginia Wine Month. This is the first time the 22nd annual October Virginia Wine month celebration will be held at Monticello. The event, highlighted by the Governor’s Cup presentation, will include walk through tours of Monticello, hors d’oeuvres and tastings from more than 20 wineries from across the state. 6:30 p.m., on Monticello's West Lawn. $75.00 (must be 21 to attend).
Oct. 2, 2010
Tufton Fern Walk
Ferns will be the excuse for this ramble along Henderson Creek in the forests of Tufton Farm. Peggy Cornett and Peter Hatch will lead this two-hour cross-country walk through a uniquely pristine, relatively undisturbed, and isolated natural woodland, pointing out the native plants as they go. There is no trail on substantial sections of this two-mile hike, so wear appropriate hiking shoes and be prepared for briar scratches, spider webs, and uneven terrain. Reservations required. Meets at CHP's Tufton Farm barn, 9:30 a.m. $10
Oct. 9, 2010
Thomas Jefferson and Natural History Walk
Thomas Jefferson's passion for gardening arose from his truly wide-eyed curiosity about natural history and the “tranquil pursuits” of science. Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants at Monticello, will lead this two-hour trek through the forests of Monticello. Participants will examine autumn wildflowers, seedpods and nuts, trees, mammals, birds, the skies, fungi, insects, and geology with the historical perspective of the sage of Monticello ever in mind. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for muddy slopes and uneven terrain. Reservations required. Meets at the Garden Center, Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center, 9:30 a.m. $10
Oct. 16, 2010
Apple Tasting
This annual event, truly a unique opportunity to explore the essence of the apple, has been among our most popular programs. Tom Burford will provide numerous apple varieties, each introduced with a discussion of their history and culture. Participants will taste, savor, and, most importantly, rate each apple in this 2-hour program. Reservations required. Meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Tufton Farm nursery. $10
See the results of the latest Apple Tasting.
Oct. 30, 2010
Cooking Unusual Vegetables
Visitors to Monticello’s Kitchen Garden are unfailingly curious about how to prepare many of the odd and rare vegetables found there. Gabriele Rausse is a chef revered by his colleagues and friends for his ability to simply transform ordinary and unusual garden produce into delicious meals. During this two-and-a-half-hour session, he will introduce participants to surprising curiosities like sea kale, cardoon, and Caracalla bean flowers; as well as underappreciated gourmet vegetables such as endive, Florence fennel, fava beans, and crowder peas. Meets at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center, 9:30 a.m. $10.
Nov. 13, 2010
Vinegar Making Workshop
Vinegar was an integral ingredient in various Jefferson-family recipes, and there’s more to vinegar, translated literally as “sour wine,” than salad dressing. Most people are unaware of the rich traditions of using vinegar in cooking, as a food preservative, and even as a wholesome beverage. As well, making vinegar at home is quite simple. Join wine-maker and master chef Gabriele Rausse in reviewing the basic principles of vinegar-making, and then learn how to use it in preparing vegetables and meat and in concocting delicious aromatized dressings. This workshop is two hours long. Meets at Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center, 9:30 a.m. $10.
Dec. 2, 2010
Holiday Wreath Workshop
These ever-popular workshops, in their 24th year, produce a gratifying and tangible end-product: a beautiful holiday wreath. Janet Miller, Lou Hatch, and Maggie Stemann Thompson will lead participants through the process in these three-hour workshops. All materials (straw wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, including a cornucopia of natural materials. Bring hand pruners. All workshops will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased beginning Nov. 8 through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. $45.
Dec. 3, 2010
Holiday Wreath Workshop
These ever-popular workshops, in their 24th year, produce a gratifying and tangible end-product: a beautiful holiday wreath. Janet Miller, Lou Hatch, and Maggie Stemann Thompson will lead participants through the process in these three-hour workshops. All materials (straw wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, including a cornucopia of natural materials. Bring hand pruners. All workshops will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased beginning Nov. 8 through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. $45.
Dec. 4, 2010
Holiday Wreath Workshop
These ever-popular workshops, in their 24th year, produce a gratifying and tangible end-product: a beautiful holiday wreath. Janet Miller, Lou Hatch, and Maggie Stemann Thompson will lead participants through the process in these three-hour workshops. All materials (straw wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, including a cornucopia of natural materials. Bring hand pruners. All workshops will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased beginning Nov. 8 through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. $45.
Dec. 5, 2010
Holiday Wreath Workshop
These ever-popular workshops, in their 24th year, produce a gratifying and tangible end-product: a beautiful holiday wreath. Janet Miller, Lou Hatch, and Maggie Stemann Thompson will lead participants through the process in these three-hour workshops. All materials (straw wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, including a cornucopia of natural materials. Bring hand pruners. All workshops will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased beginning Nov. 8 through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. $45.
Dec. 6, 2010
Holiday Wreath Workshop
These ever-popular workshops, in their 24th year, produce a gratifying and tangible end-product: a beautiful holiday wreath. Janet Miller, Lou Hatch, and Maggie Stemann Thompson will lead participants through the process in these three-hour workshops. All materials (straw wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, including a cornucopia of natural materials. Bring hand pruners. All workshops will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased beginning Nov. 8 through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. $45.
Dec. 8, 2010
Holiday Wreath Workshop
These ever-popular workshops, in their 24th year, produce a gratifying and tangible end-product: a beautiful holiday wreath. Janet Miller, Lou Hatch, and Maggie Stemann Thompson will lead participants through the process in these three-hour workshops. All materials (straw wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, including a cornucopia of natural materials. Bring hand pruners. All workshops will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased beginning Nov. 8 through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. $45.
Dec. 10, 2010
Holiday Wreath Workshop
These ever-popular workshops, in their 24th year, produce a gratifying and tangible end-product: a beautiful holiday wreath. Janet Miller, Lou Hatch, and Maggie Stemann Thompson will lead participants through the process in these three-hour workshops. All materials (straw wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, including a cornucopia of natural materials. Bring hand pruners. All workshops will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased beginning Nov. 8 through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. $45.
Dec. 12, 2010
Holiday Wreath Workshop
These ever-popular workshops, in their 24th year, produce a gratifying and tangible end-product: a beautiful holiday wreath. Janet Miller, Lou Hatch, and Maggie Stemann Thompson will lead participants through the process in these three-hour workshops. All materials (straw wreath forms, pins, wire, etc.) will be provided, including a cornucopia of natural materials. Bring hand pruners. All workshops will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased beginning Nov. 8 through the Web site www.monticello.org or by calling (434) 984-9881. $45.
Saturdays in the Garden convene at:
- the Garden Center, Jordan Classroom, and Smith Woodland Pavilion in the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center;
- or at Tufton Farm: go 1.3 miles east of Monticello on the Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Rt. 53), take a left before the Simeon Market at a sharp right curve and proceed .6 mile on Milton Rd (Rt. 732) to Tufton entrance. Take a left and follow driveway to CHP headquarters in grey barn.
- or at the Jefferson Library, at Kenwood, .2 mile east of Monticello's entrance on Rt. 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway);
- or at Thomas Jefferson
Parkway Trailhead, on Rt. 53, .2
mile east of the junction with Rt. 20.