White House Rose Garden

The White House Rose Garden is a garden in Washington DC, United States, that stretches between the West Wing and the Executive Residence. The rectangular layout shows beds of roses and other flowers around a central lawn strip, framed by boxwood hedges and crabapple trees.

First Lady Ellen Wilson created the garden in 1913, replacing older colonial-era plantings. Jacqueline Kennedy commissioned landscape designer Bunny Mellon in 1962 to redesign it, establishing the layout that still forms the basic pattern today.

The name comes from the rose plantings that have grown here for over a century and serve as a natural backdrop during important presidential appearances. The grounds sit directly beside the West Wing and are used for receptions where guests can step outside from the Oval Office.

The garden cannot be seen from public sidewalks and is only accessible during official events. Visits happen as part of White House tours, which require registration months in advance.

The phrase Rose Garden strategy appeared when presidents began holding major events here instead of traveling around the country. The space also served as a location for sudden announcements moved directly from the president's office into the open air.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1913

Founders: Ellen Axson Wilson

Part of: White House Complex

GPS coordinates: 38.89750,-77.03710

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42