Archeologists bring back Jefferson's original landscape at Poplar Forest
FOREST, Va.— Another link to the past is being restored at Thomas Jefferson’s Bedford County retreat.
Poplar Forest is replanting the home’s original landscape.
Archeologists have spent the last two years looking for evidence of trees and flowers that used to grow on the property.
New versions of the former plants are being installed, starting with a grove of paper mulberry trees that was replanted Tuesday.
Each is in the same location where Jefferson planted his own trees 200 years ago.
“We went through a very exacting process to finad exactly where he planted these trees, so that when we restore it we know it is exact locations and it is evocative of his design,” said Jack Gary, Director of Archaeology and Landscapes at Poplar Forest.
The landscape restoration is being funded with help from the Garden Club of Virginia. (source)
Polka Dot Revival
H & I are back in action. Yes, we’ve been off the blogosphere for a bit and our loyal fans have surely been missing us. We’re sorry - we’ve been absorbing the greatness of life (a.k.a. swamped in summer school and good work ethic).
Together again. Reunited and it feels so good! (not that kind of good, just tipsy good). H took me out and about today around Roanoke and her family farm. It has been a pretty incredible day. If you truly know someone you know where they came from. Now I’ve met both of H’s parents before (it makes perfect sense where her pink nails, knowledge of turkey calls, and intense drive come from) but now I’ve seen where she grew up. Where she ran off to as a kid, explored as a teenager (surely sneaking out of the house but I’ve yet to hear that story —> Corrected: “I never did that, my mother never slept. Like a cat, she takes naps throughout the day.”), and where she’ll live one day as a gorgeously gray old lady. Another H fact I never knew - she owns two pillow pets both unicorns. She also says I’m too drunk to type despite my long summer at a law firm praciting my typing skills.
See photos of our adventure below (more to come)
(Not our cutest moment, but we’re happy. The End.)
Just to remind you these photos were taken in the late afternoon humid heat index of a hundred kind of day. I’m generally pretty sweaty but this was a post-worthy amount.
We’ve learned a few things over the last few weeks apart (sad as it may be). 1 - we have at least one reader, Hello Richard. 2- we are some crafty bitches.
H here. I picked up stole a family circle Christmas magazine circa 2009 from the doctor’s office. I’ve yet to tell you how much I love Christmas. We should start there. My June birthday- Christmas themed complete with holiday hats and haphazard twinkle lights (and champagne of course). My love for Christmas is like a Unicorn’s love of it’s sparkly horn. Yes, I went there. I referenced the multiple unicorn pillow pets. It’s okay, surely if you’re reading this you love me or enjoy my vivacious take on life. ANYWAY, Christmas= happy happy good. So I stole. M’s mom has built up some magazine karma from donating last year’s LL Bean to the local doctor’s office. Basically - don’t judge me. It had a tutorial for felt trees, felt pine cones (for place settings -uber cute!), as well as champagne/pumpkin/cranberry mix drink recipe. Bringing out my inner girl scout.
M found a great recipe at Martha (her hero’s) Stewart’s website for stuffed zucchini and yellow squash. See the cheesy goodness here
Until next time loyal patrons - keep exploring!
-H & M
(yes, we know)
