August 5, 2026
**Author Interviews**
From heirloom flowers to historic seed saving, join Peggy Cornett for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the living gardens of Monticello.
Thomas Jefferson’s Flowers: Historic Gardens at Monticello
In this episode, we’re joined by Peggy Cornett, curator of plants at historic Monticello, to discuss her new book, Thomas Jefferson’s Flowers.
This richly illustrated book examines Jefferson’s gardening friendships in the United States and abroad, his many botanical and horticultural influences, and includes a comprehensive annotated list of the flowers documented by Jefferson throughout his lifetime.
Throughout our conversation, Peggy and I explore the history of Monticello’s flower gardens, the research required to maintain historically accurate gardens, her work as the Senior Curator of Plants, the beautiful photography and paintings included in the book and so much more.
Peggy Cornett has worked at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello since 1983, beginning as the associate director of gardens and grounds. She earned degrees in English and Botany from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s from the University of Delaware’s Longwood Graduate Program.
Visit Monticello website https://www.monticello.org/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TJMonticello
Monticello Farm and Garden FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356131388234344/
The fascinating and innovative horticultural world of the Sage of Monticello
Contemplating the conclusion of his public life in 1809, Thomas Jefferson observed, “I retire to my family, my books and farms. . . . Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight.” Drawing on a deep understanding of Jefferson as a scientific gentleman farmer, Monticello’s official curator of plants offers a definitive account of the planning and preservation of the paths, borders, and flowerbeds of Jefferson’s “little mountain.”
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