Stroll through the US President’s Garden

All About America explores American culture, politics, trends, history, ideals and places of interest.

In the 19th century, people could walk the White House grounds pretty much whenever they wanted. But these days, the president’s backyard is closely monitored by the U.S. Secret Service.

Yet twice a year, in the spring and fall, the public lines up outside the gates of the White House for the chance to explore what the Park Service considers the oldest continuously maintained landscape in the United States. United.

White House garden tours typically take place in April and October, but this year’s spring tour took place in May.

“They are full of traditions. They are full of beauty. You know, personally, I think it’s sad that they have to be so secure, but it’s just a necessity of modern life,” says Marta McDowell, author of “All the Presidents’ Gardens.”

Guests can get a close look at the rose garden, located outside the Oval Office, where the president works. The garden is known for its rectangle of grass lined with roses and often serves as a backdrop for formal events like bill signings and press conferences. President John F. Kennedy spearheaded the creation of the Rose Garden in 1962.

“It was a visit to Buckingham Palace that motivated John Kennedy to want to do a sort of facelift of the garden outside the Oval Office in the West Wing, as it had become a bit worn and looked overgrown by vegetation,” says McDowell.

The version of the Rose Garden that visitors see today is the renovated version overseen by first lady Melania Trump in 2020. Mrs. Trump faced backlash when she unveiled the renovation, which involved the removal of 10 apple trees in bloom.

“I felt like it was an unfair criticism of the garden renovation,” McDowell says. “They had a really wonderful group of people doing research for this garden. It needed new infrastructure. There were problems from the start. I mean, do I miss cheekbones? Yes. But is it easy to grow rose bushes under trees? No, it’s almost impossible.

Visitors walk a circular loop on the South Lawn of the White House, where they can also admire the White House bee hives and the vegetable garden created by first lady Michelle Obama in 2009. First lady Jill Biden added a flower cutting garden at the Vegetable Garden.

One of the final stops on the tour is the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, also known as the First Lady’s Garden.

Although there has been a garden at this location since 1903, the current incarnation was dedicated in 1965. It was designed by Rachel Lambert Mellon, who also redesigned the rose garden for the Kennedys. The garden remains in bloom most of the year as it is planted with seasonal flowers.

Visitors can also admire iconic views with the White House at the center.

“This is our common ground,” McDowell says, and it’s something worth celebrating.