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 thro' the year. Under a total want of demand except for our family table. I am still devoted to the garden. But tho' an old man, I am but a young gardener.

Summary

In this quote, Thomas Jefferson expresses his love for gardening and the satisfaction he finds in cultivating the land. He believes that if he had the choice, he would have preferred to live in a fertile area with easy access to markets for his garden produce. Jefferson finds great joy in working with the earth and considers gardening to be the most delightful occupation. He appreciates the diversity of plants and how they continuously come to fruition, with the failure of one crop being replaced by the success of another. Despite only having a limited demand for his garden products from his family, he remains dedicated to gardening, feeling that even as an old man, he is still a young gardener at heart.

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