White House Rose Garden: History, Renovations, and Current State

Few gardens carry as much symbolic weight as the one just outside the Oval Office. Established in 1903 by First Lady Ellen Wilson, the White House Rose Garden has been redesigned by three First Ladies—from Wilson’s colonial revival to Kennedy’s modernism to Trump’s maximalism—making this 125-by-60-foot plot a reflection of each era.

Established: 1903 by First Lady Ellen Wilson · Kennedy redesign: 1962 · Trump renovation: 2020 · Length: 125 feet · Width: 60 feet

Six key facts, one pattern: each First Lady stamped her era onto the same 125‑by‑60‑foot plot.

How many years has the White House had a Rose Garden?

The garden has existed in some form since 1903, making it more than 120 years old. But the name “Rose Garden” only became official after Ellen Wilson’s 1913 redesign.

When was the original Rose Garden planted?

First Lady Edith Roosevelt created a colonial-style garden on the west lawn in 1903 (National Park Service). A decade later, Ellen Wilson demolished that garden and, with landscape architect George Burnap, planted the first rose‑focused design in 1913 (White House Historical Association).

Who designed the Rose Garden in 1903?

Edith Roosevelt oversaw the 1903 colonial garden, but the first true rose garden is credited to Ellen Wilson and Burnap in 1913 (White House Historical Association).

How has the Rose Garden changed over time?

From a colonial garden to a modernist lawn to a 2020 ADA‑compliant space, each generation reshaped the garden. The 1962 Kennedy renovation set the layout that largely survives today (National Park Service).

The implication: the garden’s longevity masks a series of near‑total resets. Each First Lady treated the space as a blank canvas.

Who planted the rose bushes at the White House?

Rose bushes have been planted and replanted by nearly every First Lady since Wilson.

Did the Kennedys plant the roses?

Jacqueline Kennedy and horticulturalist Rachel Lambert Mellon added new rose varieties in 1962, including the ‘Chrysler Imperial’ and ‘Queen Elizabeth’ (White House Historical Association).

What types of roses are in the garden?

The varieties have changed repeatedly. After 2020, white roses dominated the palette, replacing many of the pinks and reds from earlier eras (Landscape Professionals).

The pattern: roses are temporary, but the garden’s structure endures.

What did Trump do to the White House Rose Garden?

The 2020 renovation, led by Melania Trump, was the most extensive since Kennedy’s.

When did Trump renovate the Rose Garden?

Work began in spring 2020 and was completed in August 2020 (National Park Service).

What changes did Trump make to the garden?

Brick pathways were replaced with bluestone, a new drainage system was installed, and many rose bushes were swapped for white roses and boxwoods. The lawn was also upgraded to meet ADA standards (National Park Service).

Why was the renovation controversial?

Critics said the project removed historic plants and cost an undisclosed sum. Some reports called the garden “gutted” (Architectural Digest).

Why this matters: the 2020 renovation set a new baseline for future First Families.

Why did Trump get rid of the Rose Garden at the White House?

Trump did not “get rid of” the garden — he redesigned it. The phrase “gutted” oversimplifies a complex renovation.

Did Trump actually get rid of the entire garden?

No. The garden retained its Kennedy‑era layout — central lawn, flanking beds — but the plantings and hardscape were replaced (Landscape Professionals).

What was the motivation behind the renovation?

Melania Trump wanted a garden that “feels like a classic garden” and would be more accessible for public events (National Park Service).

The catch: the renovation erased layers of history, but it also saved the garden’s core function as a ceremonial space.

Does Jackie Kennedy’s Rose Garden still exist at the White House?

Yes and no. The layout — the large central lawn, the flanking flower beds, the crabapple trees — is still Kennedy’s. But the plants have been replaced.

What elements of the Kennedy design remain?

The 1962 plan by Rachel Lambert Mellon survives: a central grass panel bordered by trees, roses, and perennials. The magnolia tree planted by Andrew Jackson still stands (White House Historical Association).

Is the current garden a replica of Kennedy’s?

Not a replica. The 2020 renovation changed the hardscape and plant palette, but the spatial structure is Mellon’s (National Park Service).

Are there still roses in the garden?

Yes, but the varieties have changed. After 2020, white roses dominate (Landscape Professionals).

What this means: visitors walk through a 1962 space with 2020 plants — a hybrid garden.

For the next First Family, the Rose Garden is both a stage and a puzzle. The framework is Kennedy’s, the finishes are Trump’s, and the roses are whoever’s turn it is to plant. The choice is clear: preserve the 1962 layout, or stamp it with another era.