In addition to the children's garden, we will have demonstration gardens with many plant species to explore.
Jefferson Garden
This 700-foot terraced garden will reflect Thomas Jefferson's personal garden at Monticello (pictured above), where he grew and evaluated many types of vegetables and specialty crops, including grains. In our garden, we will demonstrate about 200 varieties of different horticultural and specialty field crops. Signs will provide information about each crop. We also plan to build a replica of the garden pavilion that Jefferson designed as a space for contemplation next to his garden.
Did you know that peas were one of Jefferson’s favorite vegetables?
Harry C. Minor Genetic Diversity Garden
This area will illustrate the genetic diversity that occurs within a crop species and the role of plant breeding. We will plant multiple varieties of several crops, demonstrating the natural variance that occurs within the same plant species. For example, we will plant about 20 different varieties (types) of corn, sunflowers and other selected crops to show the wide range of diversity that occurs and can be utilized by plant breeders in developing improved crops. The diversity garden is named after Dr. Harry C. Minor.
Fruit and vine crops
We have established a demonstration area for fruit and vine crops. Our orchard has 50 fruit trees, including our native persimmon and pawpaw trees. We have also planted berries as well as table and wine grapes. These areas are focused on fruit and vine crops with good growing potential for this region.
We have established a demonstration area for fruit and vine crops. Our orchard has 50 fruit trees, including our native persimmon and pawpaw trees. We have also planted berries as well as table and wine grapes. These areas are focused on fruit and vine crops with good growing potential for this region.
Native Areas
Four main locations around the farm are dedicated to plantings of plants native to Missouri. These areas include:
Four main locations around the farm are dedicated to plantings of plants native to Missouri. These areas include:
Wildflower meadow – This area will showcase Missouri’s native wildflowers on a one-half acre plot. As visitors traipse through the meadow on a winding path, they will notice the wildflowers make up a wide palette of colors.
Native tree grove – We are expanding an existing grove of mature oaks, walnuts and hickories to include representatives of every tree species native to Missouri. All trees will be labeled for identification.
Wetland – We are constructing a small demonstration wetland to illustrate the role of wetland plants in filtering nutrient runoff from fields and pastures.
Prairie grass area (future attraction) – Native prairie grasses have a number of uses, including pasture for animals. This area will feature a number of Missouri’s grasses native to the prairie. You will be impressed by the beauty of the grasses as they turn color in the fall.
Ornamental Gardens
Our ornamental gardens will inspire and inform you as you plan your home’s landscaping. These gardens will celebrate plant diversity by mixing and matching plants, typically in naturalized groupings. They will also be a great place to sit and reflect.
Our ornamental gardens will inspire and inform you as you plan your home’s landscaping. These gardens will celebrate plant diversity by mixing and matching plants, typically in naturalized groupings. They will also be a great place to sit and reflect.
© Jefferson Farm & Gardens 2006 :: Site Design by: MayeCreate Design
& Amy Reeter