Rose Garden

Rose Garden (2023)

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

The Rose Garden is located along the West Terrace and West Wing near the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. The current Rose Garden reflects a renovation in 2020 that was initiated by First Lady Melania Trump. The original design of the current plan with the large central grass panel was created by Rachel Lambert Mellon in 1962 at the request of President John F. Kennedy. Three of the four original saucer magnolias planted in the corners commemorate President Kennedy.

The Rose Garden or West Garden area was first created in 1903 as a colonial-style garden by First Lady Edith Roosevelt, at the same time she created a similar garden design in the East Garden, known today as the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. First Lady Ellen Wilson with the assistance of George Burnap created the first Rose Garden at this location in 1913. Prior to the removal of the large conservatories atop the West Terrace and the greenhouse complex in 1902, a greenhouse known as the Rose House was located in this area.

Although President Harry S. Truman and President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the Rose Garden for small press conferences and receptions, the more open design requested by President Kennedy provided for larger gatherings and a variety of events. The garden continues to be used for bill signing ceremonies, press conferences, award presentations and formal dinners such as State Dinners. The garden has even been used for White House weddings.

 

White House Gardens

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  Jacqueline Kennedy Garden

  Sometimes referred to as the East Garden or First Lady’s Garden, a garden has been here since First Lady Edith Roosevelt's in 1903.

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  Children's Garden

  The young grandchildren of the President are commemorated with bronze castings of their young handprints.

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  Kitchen Garden

  The garden provides locally grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs for the first family and White House guests.