White House Spring Garden Tour On Mother’s Day Weekend

This past weekend, the White House opened its garden for a spring tour celebrating Mothers Day. I was fortunate to visit the day before, enjoying the blossoms and discovering new additions.

Let's explore some lesser-known facts about the garden together.

Thomas Jefferson's Legacy: The garden tradition at the White House traces back to Thomas Jefferson, who established the first garden, setting the stage for future presidential endeavors.

When Harry Hopkins and his wife Louise, strolled out on the White House lawn in Washington, May 10, 1943, they found their daughter, Diana, busily hoeing in her Victory garden. No doubt Eleanor Roosevelt was pleased. (AP Photo)

Victory Gardens: During World War II, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt planted a "Victory Garden" to promote self-sufficiency and boost morale during wartime.

First Lady Michelle Obama and White House Chefs join children from Bancroft and Tubman Elementary Schools to harvest vegetables during the third annual White House kitchen garden fall harvest Oct. 5, 2011. Mrs. Obama planted the White House kitchen garden to help connect kids with the food they eat – an essential component of her Let’s Move! initiative. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Michelle Obama's Kitchen Garden: First Lady Michelle Obama created a vegetable garden on the South Lawn in 2009, promoting healthy eating habits and education about fresh produce.

JFKWHP-ST-C115-1-63. View of the Rose Garden from the Oval Office at the White House, 29 April 1963.

Rose Garden: Established in 1913 by First Lady Ellen Wilson, the White House Rose Garden underwent significant renovations during the Kennedy administration. It serves as a picturesque backdrop for presidential events and ceremonies.

To the left is one of the two Jackson southern magnolias planted in the 19th century; on the right is the southern magnolia planted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in 2022. NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Historic Trees: Adorning the White House grounds are historic trees, including the Jackson Magnolia, planted by President Andrew Jackson, and the Eisenhower Oak, planted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

On May 8, 1958, President Eisenhower planted a commemorative tree

Beehives and Pollinator Garden: Under the Obama administration, beehives were installed to support pollination, accompanied by a pollinator garden providing habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

If you ever get a chance to explore either fall or spring garden tour at the people’s house, I strongly recommend you to do so!