Charlottesville, Virginia

Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia undoubtedly boast two of the most famous gardens in America. Ash Lawn-Highland, Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Mountains just beyond all beckon.

Itinerary

Monticello gardens and grounds guided tours explore the restored flower and vegetable gardens, grove, and orchards. Tours are offered eight times daily, April 1-Oct. 31.

Tufton Farm is home of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants. Four plant collections are located at Tufton Farm: a Historic Iris Collection, a Rose Border, a Dianthus Collection, and the Léonie Bell Rose Garden.

See www.monticello.org for more details.

The University of Virginia offers a variety of gardens, including: Morea, Carr’s Hill and the Pavilion Gardens.

Located at the end of Sprigg Lane, the main house of Morea was built in 1830 and belonged to John Emmet, first professor of natural history. This home includes an arboretum planted by the Albemarle Garden Club in 1963. The arboretum exhibits a wonderful collection of hollies and many native plants. The tremendous Kentucky coffee trees and osage orange trees flourished for many years before the arboretum was created around them. A champion linden stands to the east of the house.

The home of the University president and family, Carr's Hill stands on the knoll to the northwest of the Rotunda. A terraced landscape of lawn and trees sweeps down the slope in the spirit of both Jefferson's academical village and Monticello. The flower beds are traditionally planted with red and yellow tulips which join blossoming dogwoods for the spring show. In the fall, yellow- and red-berried hollies, blackgum, and dogwoods brighten the landscape.

Surrounded by the serpentine walls East and West Pavilion Gardens I-X each have a history and story of their own.

Visit www.virginia.edu for more details.

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