Gardening is an incredibly popular pastime. More and more individuals and families today are growing their own vegetables for better tasting produce as well as for the corresponding economic benefits. Smithsonian Horticulture Services Division staff will lead visitors on a tour of the Museum's Victory Garden to highlight another era when vegetable gardens were particularly prevalent in the United States. While the tour is weather dependent, the talk and presentation will take place, rain or shine; visitors should access the Victory Gardens through the Stars and Stripes Café on the Museum's lower level.

The second part of the presentation features displays and conversations about select historic and contemporary images from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Gardens. These illustrate how vegetable gardens have evolved from being strictly utilitarian, meant to be hidden, to becoming a decorative highlight in today's garden.

Victory Gardens similar to the one at this Museum were planted during World War II to ensure an adequate food supply and therefore aid in the war effort. Eye-catching posters and how-to articles encouraged novice gardeners to grow their own vegetables and can and preserve any excess produce for later use.

The Smithsonian's Victory Garden features a number of heirloom crops that were typically planted during World War II. Discover how this vegetable garden relates to the Scott family's story showcased in the "Within These Walls. . . " exhibition on the Museum's second floor.