Thomas Jefferson Garden Quotations

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.

The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture. --The Fruit Hunters

I have often thought that if heaven had given me choice of my position and calling, it should have been on a rich spot of earth, well watered, and near a good market for the productions of the garden. No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. Such a variety of subjects, some one always coming to perfection, the failure of one thing repaired by the success of another, and instead of one harvest a continued one through the year.

I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read and receive my company.

Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.

I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural.

Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.

But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.

Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God.

Too old to plant trees for my own gratification, I shall do it for my posterity.