February: Sowing Seeds of Independence – Jefferson’s Garden Ethos

February’s chill lingers in the Revolution Era Garden at the Transylvania Heritage Museum, but beneath the scatterings of snow and leaf mulch, parsley, thyme, yarrow, and oregano peek through or show tiny new sprouts. Thomas Jefferson reminds us, “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country.” Penned amid his Monticello experiments, this quote captures how gardening fostered self-reliance during the Revolution.

At Monticello, Jefferson used hotbeds to provide steady warmth and beat late frosts—a clever colonial method echoed in Washington’s Mount Vernon diaries. These early starts, often met with trial and error, built resilience. Without the resources of hotbeds or cold frames, Museum volunteers start seeds indoors in preparation for spring planting as we continue to work on soil improvements.

The Museum remains closed as we prepare for From Battlefields to Backwoods: Soldiers Shaping Appalachia, but the garden and educational cards are available for visitors, and our first hands-on garden program for 2026 begins at 12 pm on Saturday, February 21. We’ll review our soil enrichment progress and, if the ground is soft enough, dig in some compost. If not, we will discuss indoor seed-starting guidance for spring plantings. All ages welcome! Dress for the weather; gloves and small trowels provided. Everyone leaves with a Calendula seed packet.

Also known as pot marigold, Calendula arrived in the American colonies with early settlers before 1670 and became a staple in colonial gardens. Thomas Jefferson grew it at Monticello (noted from his boyhood plantings at Shadwell) as early as 1767. Valued for both culinary coloring (in butter, cheese, soups, and stews) and medicinal properties (skin-healing, antiseptic, and heart-supporting), it tied everyday gardeners to the land’s practical bounty.

Plant a windowsill pot of calendula and feel that virtuous tie to the soil. As sprouts emerge, let Jefferson inspire: Independence blooms from the earth.

Please share this blog and our February 21st Garden program with your family, gardening friends, or anyone looking for free, hands-on history activities for 2026. Groups are welcome—just let us know when and how many are coming so we can be prepared. All our programs are free, and we have several fun, interactive programs for mixed-age groups that can be scheduled upon request.

February draws us forward with the promise of longer days and new growth. What small steps of preparation are you taking this month to connect with the land and its history? Share below!

Until next time!

Rebecca