A Verdant Elysium: Jefferson Returns to His Garden after the Presidency in 1809

On April 25, 1809, a retired Thomas Jefferson enjoyed spending most of his time in his garden. (Finally!)

In the spring of 1809, Thomas was no longer consumed with the duties of being president.

We know that in the last year of his presidency, Thomas spent many hours pining for his garden and accumulating plants from his friend Bernard McMahon and other plantsmen.

In April of 1809, Thomas Jefferson was living his dream and his best life as a gardener.

He wrote to his friend, Etienne Lemaire, on this day,

I am constantly in my garden or farms. And am exclusively employed out of doors as I was within doors when I was at Washington.

I find myself infinitely happier in my new mode of life.

Isn't that an interesting observation?

Comments like that may pass unnoticed, but this change in habits and seasons, absorbing the warmer weather, and getting outdoors is powerful medicine.

Spending time outdoors affects our attitudes and moods. We get more vitamin D and feel more energy. Thomas was undoubtedly feeling the effects himself.

This time of year, we eat the fresh green offerings from our gardens, whether microgreens or asparagus.

The rhubarb is popping.

You can even eat some hosta leaves, little tiny rolled-up cigars, as they emerge from the earth. You can cut and fry them up in a pan the same way you would asparagus. (If they're good enough for the deer, they're good enough for us.) They're pretty tasty. The key is to harvest them early - just like you would the fiddleheads.

The joys of spring...