Mount Vernon: George Washington’s Favorite Garden was his Trial Garden

"George often referred to his favorite of his four gardens: the botanical garden.

He called it "the little garden by the salt house," or rather fondly, his 'little garden.'"

April 30, 1789

On this day, George Washington was sworn in as the United States' first president.

 

A gardening President, George Washington, oversaw his incredible gardens at Mount Vernon.

George was naturally curious and wanted to see what plants would survive in Virginia's harsh climate.

 

George often referred to his favorite of his four gardens: the botanical garden. He called it "the little garden by the salt house," or rather fondly, his "little garden."

George used the botanical garden as his trial garden - testing alfalfa and oats, which, he surmised correctly, would increase the productivity of his fields.


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