The enduring question—who started the White House Rose Garden—has captivated garden enthusiasts, historians, and political observers for generations. From its origins under First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson in 1913 to the most recent transformations as of August 2025, the Rose Garden stands as one of America’s most prominent and frequently discussed landscapes.
Fashioned within the first 20 words: The White House Rose Garden was originally started by First Lady Ellen Wilson in 1913, with significant contributions from George Burnap. Today, this storied green enclave not only hosts national ceremonies and presidential press events but also stirs passionate debate over questions of tradition, design, and adaptation in a rapidly changing world.
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The Foundational Years: Ellen Wilson’s Vision
When Woodrow Wilson entered the White House in 1913, his wife Ellen Axson Wilson found herself drawn to the grounds. At the time, the West Wing was fronted by a colonial-style garden and utilitarian greenhouses. Ellen envisioned something more dignified and beautiful—a space that would mirror America’s growing confidence on the world stage.
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- Collaboration with George Burnap: Landscape architect George Burnap was enlisted to help realize Ellen’s plans. Together, they created a formal garden boasting symmetry, privacy, and ample rose beds.
- Innovative “President’s Walk”: The plan included a specially designed walkway, allowing the president direct access between the Oval Office and the elegant open-air expanse.
- A “Room Without a Roof”: Drawing inspiration from Beaux-Arts principles, Ellen’s design imagined the garden functioning as an extension of the White House itself—a public yet gracious outdoor room.
Tragically, Ellen Wilson passed away in 1914, just a year after her vision began taking shape. Yet her profound influence endured, with future caretakers referring to her vision as the foundation for all that followed.
Twentieth-Century Reinvention: The Mellon-Kennedy Era
While Ellen Wilson deserves credit for the garden’s initial incarnation, it took nearly fifty years before the White House Rose Garden became the iconic space familiar to modern Americans. In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy and horticulturist Rachel “Bunny” Mellon undertook a comprehensive redesign.
- European Inspiration: Mellon’s approach drew on French formal gardens, with broad lawns and clusters of meticulously planned flower beds.
- Expanded Purpose: The Rose Garden became not just a botanical showpiece but a stage for diplomacy. Historic events, like the signing of vital agreements and the celebration of state visitors, began taking place on its freshly manicured lawn.
- Signature Features:
- Broad, flat centerpiece for large gatherings.
- Carefully balanced tree plantings—magnolias, crabapples, and more—for year-round interest.
- Expanded beds accommodating roses alongside seasonal blooms and perennials.
Rachel Mellon’s 1962 design instilled a sense of grandeur and flexibility, ensuring the garden’s utility for both formal ceremonies and everyday enjoyment.
The 21st Century: Restoration, Upheaval, and Debate
Melania Trump’s 2020 Updates
In the summer of 2020, First Lady Melania Trump coordinated a significant update:
- Removal of some of Mellon’s crabapple trees to open sight lines.
- Addition of white rose varieties and other pastel blooms, creating a classic motif.
- Restoration of historical pathways and introduction of improved drainage.
Some applauded the restoration effort for respecting Mellon’s vision. Others felt it diminished the garden’s layered history.
2025: A New Chapter Under Donald and Melania Trump
This year has seen arguably the most controversial update in Rose Garden history. Initiated in June 2025 and expected to conclude by mid-August, the latest renovation prioritized functionality for frequent outdoor press events.
- Major Changes:
- Most of the famous grass has been replaced by a durable, light-colored concrete patio, marking the biggest material change since the garden’s founding.
- Removal of the limestone border installed in 2020, shifting the geometric design once again.
- Modern amenities: advanced audio-visual technology and taller flagpoles suited for televised events.
- Public Response:
- Proponents say the changes resolve accessibility issues—media and guests will no longer contend with muddy conditions or sinking shoes.
- Critics fear the loss of the garden’s natural charm and historic lawn, voicing concern over social media and major news outlets.
Recent Timeline in Brief
| Date | Change | Notable Figures |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Original rose beds installed by Ellen Wilson | Ellen Wilson, George Burnap |
| 1962 | Mellon redesign for JFK | John F. Kennedy, Bunny Mellon |
| 2020 | Refined flower beds, crabapple removal | Melania Trump |
| 2025 | Lawn replaced with concrete, tech upgrades | Donald & Melania Trump |
An Ongoing Dialogue: Preservation Versus Progress
Debate continues over whether the White House Rose Garden should hew closer to its living, organic roots or evolve for modern, practical needs. For now, the updates are largely complete, but public opinion remains divided—will future leaders restore its lawn or embrace this new, event-focused functionality?
The story of the Rose Garden mirrors the story of the presidency itself—rooted in history, shaped by powerful individuals, and always subject to the tides of societal change.
What do you think? Does innovation serve the Rose Garden’s purpose, or have recent updates moved too far from tradition? Add your voice to the discussion below.