The meticulously planned flower gardens at the White House are not just a display of beauty, but a carefully crafted architectural masterpiece. The green patterns serve as the backbone of the gardens, providing structure rather than mere decoration. Grey foliage plants and boxwoods add texture to the beds, while herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil intermingle with the flowers.
In the Rose Garden, two rows of crab apple trees flank the central lawn, creating a picturesque setting. The beds burst with colorful tulips in the spring, bordered by grapehyacinths like a blue ribbon. As summer arrives, heliotrope replaces the grapehyacinths as a border for the roses. The garden boasts a variety of roses, including old-fashioned striped roses, rugosa, rambler, moss, and floribunda roses. Among them are unique varieties like the white rose “John F. Kennedy” and the “Speaker Sam” rose. In the autumn, chrysanthemums bloom alongside the late roses, while scarlet berries of Washington hawthorn add a pop of color near the South Portico.
The East Garden, on the other hand, features eighteen square flower beds filled with fragrant jonquils, hyacinths, and narcissi in the spring. Grey foliage plants and formal patterns are interspersed with herbs and summer flowers like heliotrope, petunias, and dianthus. As the seasons change, single blue asters bloom among the chrysanthemums, including the striking “Rajah” chrysanthemum.
The gardens are a testament to the meticulous planning and attention to detail that goes into creating a harmonious outdoor space. Each plant and flower is carefully chosen to complement the overall aesthetic, creating a serene and beautiful oasis in the heart of Washington D.C. The lush greenery and vibrant blooms provide a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy and admire the natural beauty that surrounds them.
