Diving into the thoughts and politics of four very distinct characters in our nation's founding is incredibly difficult, especially when it comes to their gardens, which are all similar yet very different. James Madison, John Adams, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson are all men of the Enlightenment, sharing different ideals regarding politics, slavery, and the future of our nation. This book chronicles the early stages of the founding of the United States and how all four of these men have something in common. They are begrudgingly involved with politics and would all rather be spending their time at their estates in their gardens. Wulf has a fascinating way of combining the political elements with that of gardens and how they are all the same. During the long days in the presidency and sitting in Congress or even Washington at Valley Forge, they compare what they use the garden and plant metaphors when discussing it. At times it can be dry when going into detail on political issues. It all ties back in some form to plants and seeds and gardens. The last few chapters get into the nitty-gritty of the gardens at their estates and discuss the how's and why's behind what is chosen and what they look like.

Highly researched after spending months at each location and reading letters in the national archive, this book is a perfect read when diving into the presidential gardens for the first time. The book is about half narrative and half notes which are just as interesting as the narrative, and I highly recommend reading them all and using them for further reading.