TAKE A TOUR OF THE WHITE HOUSE GARDENS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanFall is in the air and outdoor lovers are eager to get their fill of the great outdoors before the cold weather makes its way to our backyards.
This fall the White House is announcing its 2012 Fall Garden Tours set to take place four times during the month of October. The gardens and grounds will be open on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 14,2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 19, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This will be a unique opportunity to view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and South Lawn of the White House.
Beauty abounds in this breathtaking garden based on a traditional 18th century American garden. The garden has a large fescue grass panel right in the center and is framed on either side by a well-groomed holly hedge. It is not unusual to get a glimpse of boxwoods, tulips, pansies and grape hyacinth. It is a tranquil setting that will leave you in awe. The perfectly manicured South Lawn is where many influential events take place and you will be able to stand right in the heart of where it all happens.
Tour guests will also be able to visit the White House Kitchen Garden. First Lady Michelle Obama is so very proud of this vegetable garden at the White House, the first one since Eleanor Roosevelt’s Victory Garden. This vegetable garden has more meaning since it was planted with the help of local elementary school students. Mrs. Obama is a strong advocate of healthy eating and this is where it all begins. Breaking the record for size, it is 1500 square feet and you might find broccoli, rhubarb, spinach, berries, lettuce and many varieties of herbs including anise hyssop and Thai basil.
Recently on National Public Radio, Mrs. Obama told the story of the beehive that is located right on the grounds of the White House where honey is collected to brew White House Honey Ale. Between this and the vegetable garden, it has become somewhat of a ‘family affair’.
The tours are free and open to the public but do require a ticket for anyone attending including small children. The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day starting at 8:00 a.m. Ticketing will be on a first-come, first-serve basis with each person being awarded one ticket.
On these particular dates, there will be no tours of the East Wing and Executive Residence.
Strollers, wheelchairs, umbrellas and cameras are permitted. Oversized backpacks and duffles, fireworks, tobacco, food and beverages, animals (except guide dogs) and insulated metal containers are not permitted. To get a more extensive list, call the 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041.
The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.
In the event of inclement weather, the Garden tours may be cancelled but you will need to check by calling the 24-hour information line.
This is a great opportunity if you happen to be in the Washington, D.C. area or visiting during the month of October.
PHOTO CREDITS: www.whitehousemuseum.org and Getty and A/P Images
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