Ms. Keller's class learns about Thomas Jefferson the horticulturist

Today Ms. Keller's class began their study of Thomas Jefferson the horticulturist. They learned that he was the 3rd president, that he loved gardening and was a horticulturist-one who studies the science of vegetables, fruits and ornamentals (flowers); he had a 1,000 foot vegetable garden at his plantation at Monticello, VA. We defined plantation.  We are planting heirloom seeds that we obtained from Monticello's garden center. Thus, we defined "heirloom"-something that has been passed down or saved.

One student in each group was the scribe who wrote down important facts from the lesson. The scribe also wrote down how many of what type of seeds were planted. Most students planted radish seeds although a couple also planted peas.  These seeds date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Thomas Jefferson wrote extensive notes about his garden and crops and the students will learn about this habit by taking notes themselves.