In 1776, Marigolds (Tagetes species) were among the few vividly colored ornamentals that colonial gardeners cultivated. They had arrived from Mexico via Spain in the 1500s and were well established in Europe long before the Revolution. By the mid-18th century, colonists in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New England were growing them in kitchen gardens and around doorways — partly for beauty, partly because they were believed to repel insects and protect vegetables. These were flowers that truly bloomed in colonial America. The rich gold and russet tones echo the palette of early American homes — ochres, iron oxides, and natural dyes — and the marigold’s resilience mirrors the settlers’ own.

So, when you see marigolds in a modern United States garden (like the ones above), take a moment to think about America's Colonial past, too. There is a lot more to American history than just the Fourth of July.

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This day in History June 28, 1776
First draft of Declaration of Independence

After discussing the general outline of the "Lee Resolution" document, the Committee of Five (appointed by the Continental Congress on June 11, 1776) decided that Jefferson would write the first draft. With Congress's busy schedule, Jefferson had limited time to write the draft over the ensuing 17 days. He then consulted with the others on the committee, who reviewed the draft and made extensive changes. Jefferson then produced another copy incorporating these alterations. Among the changes was the simplification of what Jefferson had termed "preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness" to the more succinct and sonorous phrase familiar to all today, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.