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Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Botanical Garden

 
 
Botanical Garden Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021
1. Botanical Garden Marker
Inscription.
"The most valuable and scarcer kinds of plants…may receive nourishment in my little garden."
George Washington, letter to manager Anthony Whitting, November 25, 1792

Washington often tended this experimental garden with his own hands. Unfamiliar or exotic plants would be tested here. Washington observed the first sproutings, recorded the cuttings which took hold, and noted the plants that might thrive when transplanted in his fields or groves. Sees were collected from varieties that flourished. Many of the plants grown in this plot today are mentioned in Washington's writings.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 25, 1792.
 
Location. 38° 42.513′ N, 77° 5.18′ W. Marker is in Mount Vernon, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route 235) and George Washington Memorial Highway, on the right when traveling east on Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria VA 22309, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wood That Looks Like Stone (within shouting distance of this marker);
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Gardener's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Mount Vernon (within shouting distance of this marker); Upper Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Necessary (within shouting distance of this marker); Riding Chair (within shouting distance of this marker); Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Vernon.
 
Botanical Garden Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021
2. Botanical Garden Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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Jul. 2, 2026