The Kitchen Garden of Mount Vernon

Historical print showing the 20th century rehabilitation of George Washington’s garden.

Like many of the aspects of his home at Mount Vernon, George Washington designed firsthand the landscaping and garden features present on his Virginia estate. The Kitchen Garden, now known as the Lower Garden, has been producing fresh fruits and vegetables since as early as 1760, when slaves in the Washington household would gather produce for family consumption.

The historic plot measuring just under an acre was restored in 1936 according to “plans in the General’s possession.” This print, drawn by Nathalia Ulman and published by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association in 1937, shows the recent updates within the neatly organized rows and sections.

Illustrations of some of the plants contained therein, including peppers, figs, lima beans, pears, chicory, artichokes, spearmint and many others, can be seen along the bottom of the image.