
The White House Rose Garden has long been the envy of visiting world leaders. Formerly a stable for horses and coaches, the area was turned into a garden after the rise of the automobiles in the early 20th century, but during the Kennedy administration became a symbol of John and Jacqueline’s style.
When the Kennedys arrived at the White House, they were shocked to see that the grounds were in disrepair, with the new First Lady promptly rolling up her sleeves and organizing a full redesign. With the help of horticulturalists Rachel Lambert Mellon and Perry Wheeler, she created what’s come to be known as the “Rose Garden”.