Andrea Wulf’s fascinating book The Founding Gardeners provides a drawing of George Washington’s Mount Vernon site plan. I wrote about this book here.
Sunday’s Washington Post had a story about the restoration of his gardens based on a 13 month archeological dig led by Esther White. Now visitors will be able to see the garden as George himself laid it out.
Every garden is ephemeral. Every garden changes over time. Finding evidence of original planting plans revealing the original intent and personality of a garden and the gardener, is a great gift.
Pat, I’d love to be able see the gardens of Mount Vernon as George Washington envisioned them. They were spectacular when I saw them 13 years ago.
Cindy – I can tell you this – the boxwood hedges are all gone!