Jefferson began his work on Monticello in his mid-twenties and finished in his sixties. He enjoyed the process and took great pains to study and use as many "modern" amenities as possible (including skylights, dumbwaiters, and indoor privies). 
His home, grounds, and gardens are truly beautiful and well-maintained. Although we arrived too late to get tickets for a tour inside (within the window of our 2 hour stay), we were able to walk all around the house, into the conservatory, underneath the house and through some of the slave's quarters, and the whole plantation, including the family graveyard where he is buried.
You'll have to forgive me from here on because, as might be expected, I was more impressed with the President's gardens, orchards, and plantings more than anything inside :-) It is said that Jefferson spent many, many hours planning, grafting, cultivating, and writing out his garden plans -- experimenting with many cultivars in order to find those varieties which grew best in his native Virginian soil. I'd say .... he succeeded.
This terraced garden was the full length of one hillside. It was amazing. My camera does not do it justice. The vegetation produced currently goes to the staff who maintain the grounds. Interestingly, there are just as many herbs planted as vegetables. Jefferson, partial to French cuisine, needed to grow all of his own herbs for cooking and medicinal purposes.
Branches were used to stake the peas -- simple cuttings from the spring pruning.
Terra cotta jars and glass bells were used rather than the cold cover material used today. I like the look of these better, don't you?
The word "Monticello" means little mountain and indeed he lived atop a small mountain. Only shuttles take you up to the monument as the roads are very steep. It's hard to imagine him riding his horse up and down that mountain (he only resided at Monticello about 1/2 of his life -- the other time being spent as President to the U.S. for two terms and U.S. Ambassador to France).
Terraced vineyards and garden bed of garlic ....
The trees on the estate are monstrous and of a variety I have not seen or heard of before in many cases including mulberry, willow oak, and linden (under which Isabelle enjoys some privacy).
I've decided that this area of Virginia is one of my favorites in all the country. We've had to drive many back roads in order to get to freeways and, although being relatively difficult to navigate, the scenery is spectacular. We have seen massive estates and more white fencing than I thought possible. The homes here all have names such as Turkey Ridge, Button Farm, and Hawks Glen. We've also driven past many Civil War battlefields including Wilderness Battlefield.
We're on our way to Mount Vernon -- home of George Washington. We unfortunately needed to squeeze these two things into the same day as we are running out of time and Joe is wanting a full 3 days in Washington, D.C.. Pictures later!
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