Rose Garden

The colonial-style garden created by First Lady Edith Roosevelt, c.1903.

Library of Congress / Abby Gunn Baker Papers, The White House

The Rose Garden is located along the West Terrace and West Wing of the White House, near the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. This west garden area was first created in 1903 as a colonial-style garden by First Lady Edith Roosevelt.

 

The first iteration of the Rose Garden, designed by George Burnap with modifications by First Lady Ellen Wilson (1914).

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Photograph by Harris & Ewing

Then, with the assistance of landscape architect George Burnap, First Lady Ellen Wilson created the first Rose Garden in this location in 1913. Prior to the removal of the large conservatories atop the West Terrace and the greenhouse complex in 1902, a greenhouse known as the Rose House was located in this area.

 

The Rachel Lambert Mellon-designed Rose Garden during the John F. Kennedy administration (1963).

White House Historical Association

Although President Harry S. Truman and President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the Rose Garden for small press conferences and receptions, a more open design was requested by President John F. Kennedy to accommodate larger and more varied gatherings. President Kennedy asked horticulturalist Rachel Lambert Mellon to redesign the garden in 1962. Her revisions included a large central grass panel bordered by a perimeter of trees, roses, perennials, annuals, and herbs.

 

The Rose Garden with recent renovations made by President Donald J. Trump (2025).

Official White House Photo by Abe McNatt

In 2020 First Lady Melania Trump completed a renovation of the Rose Garden which included updated infrastructure, renewal of design components, and improved accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

President Donald J. Trump continued renovations in 2025. The Rose Garden was turned into a patio with roses lining the perimeter, developing a space dedicated to hospitality and entertaining. Today, the Rose Garden is used to host many guests of the president for events and dinners.

 

White House Gardens

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  Children's Garden

  The young grandchildren of the president are commemorated with bronze castings of their handprints.

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  Kitchen Garden

  The garden provides locally grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs for the first family and White House guests.