Visit to Mount Vernon

The beautiful Mount Vernon was once the home to George and Martha Washington. As you walk the grounds, one can see that Washington loved Mount Vernon. The estate is beautiful. The house, the flower gardens, and the vegetable garden are all stunning.

The estate was once around 8,000 acres. Now it is only around 500 acres. Today, Mount Vernon is owned and maintained in trust for the people of the United States by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, a private, non-profit organization founded in 1853. They truly had done an amazing job keeping the estate pristine.

Vegetable Garden

When you visit, make sure you pick up some seeds. They sell heirloom seeds that are used at the estate that originated from the plants Washington grew. I was able to pick up some cute campanula seeds.

I hope these pictures inspire you to visit Mount Vernon.

Washington's House

Green House

Garden Photography

Today I was inspired as I walked through my garden. I love seeing all the new plants popping up and blooming throughout the season. I decided to share some of the pictures with you.

Miniature Garden

 I posted about miniature gardens quite awhile ago. I wanted to post some pictures of one of mine that has grown quite a bit and looks really cute.

Things are blooming

As I was working in my garden today, I was so happy to see hellebores and primroses blooming. It inspired me to get out my camera and take some pictures!

Start Planning Your Garden

Right now is a great time to start planning your garden. Better Homes and Gardens has a free online tool for you to use to do this.

This is one of my husband's favorite.

I have been looking over my seed packets from last year and trying to figure out what I need to purchase this year. I am planning on growing a large pumpkin patch this year. One of my favorite companies is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. They have a great variety to choose from. The seeds packages are around $2.00 each. I have had the pleasure of going to their seed bank in Petaluma, California. It was an amazing experience.

As for flowers this year, I am excited to be going on a small field trip with my mother and husband to the incredible Digging Dog Nursery. They have an amazing selection of flowering perennials. You may go online and order from them or go to their nursery located in Albion, California. I am planning on posting pictures from this trip! These are just a few ideas. Have fun and get your hands dirty!

Owners, Deborah Whigham & Gary Ratway

-The Crafty Gardener