The Gardens of Monticello and Little Italy

Gardens are crucial in all walks of life. For example, the Bible starts and ends in a garden. The Eastern tradition has wonderful Zen gardens, among others, that have theological and aesthetic uses. In the words of garden architect Thomas Jefferson: “No occupation is so delightful as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.” He knew that the concept guides the arrangement and the satisfaction of the need. We will demonstrate this with pictures of Monticello and the work by the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Network but will also explain the importance of these gardens as a function of community building and fighting urban blight.