Asters, Squash, Fall Foliage, and Wine

It's October at Monticello, and there’s color everywhere, from the reds, yellows and golds of the fall leaves to the pinks and purples of our tall asters to the oranges and greens of our fall squash. In this episode of "A Rich Spot of Earth," we talk about some of the most evolutionary complex flowers (asters), a tasty squash that provides more than a gallon of flesh for soups or pudding (the Cushaw), and, of course, the glorious range of colors in our fall foliage. We also have a first report from the fall grape harvest at Jefferson Vineyards, which became part of the Monticello family in early 2023. Featuring Michael Tricomi, Manager and Curator of Historic Gardens; Peggy Cornett, Curator of Plants; Debbie Donley, Flower Gardener; Robert Dowell, Senior Nursery Associate at the Thomas Jefferson Center Historic Plants; and Chris Ritzcovan, Winemaker at Jefferson Vineyards.