Grow Your Own Kitchen Garden Series

Sunday, Sept. 14

2 p.m.

Led by expert Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners, this interactive session will blend practical gardening techniques with captivating history. Guests will learn how kitchen gardens were once essential to daily life—especially during the mid-nineteenth century — and how Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson relied on gardening not only to support his household but as an enjoyable hobby.

Workshop highlights include:

• Plant Division: Learn to divide perennials like Hosta —and take one home!
• Fall & Winter Garden Prep: Watch cover crops in action and help plant your own.
• Seasonal Garden Care: Understand what to cut back and what to leave to protect butterflies and bees over winter.
• Seed Saving: Get expert advice and a handout on various techniques.
• Fall Vegetable Planting Tips: Receive helpful guides and planting schedules.
• What to Plant Now: Learn about ideal fall plantings like bulbs, trees, and bushes.

Admission is free but space is limited so pre-registration is required by calling 540-464-7704. Participants will also enjoy 15% off all purchases in the museum store on the day of the workshop.

Apple Day

Saturday, Sept. 27
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Jackson House Museum will hold its annual Apple Day Celebration on Washington Street in front of the Jackson House Museum. Festivities include cider pressing, music, dancing, storytelling, games, and crafts for children of all ages.

Participants have a chance unplug from modern technology and enjoy some old-fashioned family fun! Watch an antique, hand-cranked cider press in action, enjoy learning 19^th- century dancing, such as the Polka, a favorite of Thomas Jackson. Throughout the day children will have the opportunity to learn how to make dolls, potato scarecrows like the Jacksons used for their garden, play apple toss, pin-the-tail-on-Little Sorrel, and more. Or sit back, relax, and enjoy storytelling from a costumed interpreter.

All the demonstrations and activities are free. Regular admission prices to tour the house apply. Residents of Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County receive free admission for the tour.

For further information on Apple Day and the Jackson House Museum, please call (540) 464-7704.

Christmas at the Jacksons

Friday, Dec. 12
6 - 8 p.m.

Visitors will step back in time and experience an 1859 Christmas while interacting with costumed interpreters. Those who attend will also have an opportunity to be a part of the “preparations” by singing Christmas Carols, churning butter in the kitchen, and helping our 1859 visitors pick the proper outfit for dinner. Last tour will be at 7:40 p.m.

Admission for the event is canned food for humans and/or pets to benefits the Rockbridge Area Relief Association Food Pantry. Help us give back to our local community and come out for an evening of candlelit magic.

For further information on Christmas at the Jacksons’ and the Jackson House Museum, please call (540) 464-7704.