The White House Rose Garden, then and now.Library of Congress ; Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesEllen Wilson, the wife of Woodrow Wilson, established the Rose Garden in 1913.It was redesigned under the Kennedy administration and has hosted many historic events.Donald Trump paved over the grass in the Rose Garden, turning it into a patio space.Before the White House had a Rose Garden, the land was used for horse stables.Under the tutelage of first ladies throughout history, the garden was built and transformed into a colorful landscape with a well-manicured event space.In one of many decor changes President Donald Trump has made during his second non-consecutive term, the White House unveiled a redesigned Rose Garden in August 2025 featuring a patio space made of stone tiles. Trump has continued to redecorate the space with gold lettering, plaques, and statues of the Founding Fathers.Here's how the Rose Garden has changed over the years.Before the Rose Garden, Edith Roosevelt established the Colonial Garden in 1902.Edith Roosevelt's Colonial Garden.Library of CongressThe garden featured Johnny jump-ups, daisies, and wildflowers that the first lady gathered herself, according to the White House Historical Association. The flowers were surrounded by boxwood.Ellen Wilson replaced the Colonial Garden with the White House Rose Garden in 1913.The Rose Garden as planted in 1913 according to First Lady Ellen Wilson's modifications of plans by George Burnap.Library of CongressBefore the space was used for events and press conferences, it was designed as a formal flower garden.The Rose Garden was designed by George E. Burnap and Beatrix Farrand.Photo shows the rose garden designed by George E. Burnap, planted 1914, on the south side of the White House, on the site of the former West Colonial gardenHarris & Ewing/Library of CongressInstead of round, winding paths through flowers, the garden was organized in rows with a lawn in the center.In 1961, designer Rachel Lambert Mellon reimagined the garden.1963 Spring in His Steps. Washington, D.C.: The camera angle almost makes it look as if President John F. Kennedy is walking on a bed of Tulips (in lieu of the proverbial roses) as he returns to his White House office in Washington May 1st after a meeting with Army leaders. With tulips in bloom and shrubs in leaf, there's an air of Spring about the White House Rose Garden.Bettmann/Contributor/Getty ImagesMellon wrote that President John F. Kennedy became interested in revamping the Rose Garden after returning from a trip to Europe."The President had noted that the White House had no garden equal in quality or attractiveness to the gardens that he had seen and in which he had been entertained in Europe," she wrote for the White House Historical Association. "There he had recognized the importance of gardens surrounding an official residence and their appeal to the sensibilities of all people."Mellon added Katherine crab-apple trees, perennials, annuals, green pillow, and, of course, roses.Flowers are in full bloom in the White House Rose Garden, Washington, DC, on April 27, 1963.Bettmann via Getty ImagesMellon also handpicked four magnolia trees for the corners of the garden, inspired by the front of the Frick in New York City.More flowers were added to the Rose Garden for the wedding of President Richard Nixon's daughter Tricia and Edward Finch Cox in 1971.(Original Caption) Washington, DC.: After taking their vows, Edward Finch Cox and Tricia Nixon Cox walk through rows of flowers past their guests en route to the White House for the reception, following their wedding in the White House rose garden. The bride is the daughter of president Richard Nixon.Bettmann/Contributor/Getty ImagesThough Tricia was the eighth daughter of a president to hold a wedding at the White House, hers was the first outdoor wedding ceremony.The wedding was attended by 400 guests.380450 49: The wedding ceremony of Tricia Nixon and Edward Cox June 12, 1971 at the White House.National Archive/Newsmakers/Getty ImagesThe reception was then held in the East Room.In 1983, President Ronald Reagan playfully fed some squirrels burrowed in the garden's potted plants.(Original Caption) 11/16/1983- Washington, DC- President Ronald Reagan feeds some White House squirrels (not shown) with acorns collected for Camp David. The photo was taken outside the Oval Office adjacent to the Rose Garden.Bettmann/Contributor/Getty ImagesThe Oval Office is adjacent to the Rose Garden, making it easy for presidents to step outside for some fresh air.Over the years, many historic events occurred in the Rose Garden.Bill Clinton names Ruth Bader Ginsburg, of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in the Rose Garden of the White House, Washington DC, June 14, 1993. She was confirmed, on August 3, 1993, to the position vacated by retiring Associate Justice Byron White.Ron Sachs/CNP/Getty ImagesPresid
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