Early U.S. Presidents Who Loved Gardening

There’s no doubt that tending to plants is one therapeutic activity for busy people. That’s why it’s unsurprising that some prominent individuals who once held the highest position in the US found solace and rest in their gardens. 

Here, we’ll discover some interesting facts about our founding fathers (and their first ladies, perhaps) who showed their love for gardening. 

George Washington

Do you know that the first president of the US was obsessed with landscaping and gardening? He was very much involved in redesigning the landscapes in his estate in Mt. Vernon.

His gardens included ornamental landscapes or the so-called “pleasure grounds,” a greenhouse for his exotic and rare plant species, fruit-bearing trees, and a kitchen garden for vegetable production. 

Mt Vernon

To date, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a popular tourist destination in Northern Virginia. You can plan a visit to this place not only to enjoy the lavish gardens but also to learn about the first president’s legacy.

John Adams and Abigail Adams

As the first resident of the White House, former President John Adams requested that vegetable gardens be planted around the official residence. In an article written by Corliss Knapp Engle, he revealed that the second president was primarily a farmer by heart, thus, his interest in planting vegetables.

Later, with exposure, he also became interested in ornamental gardens.

Together with Thomas Jefferson, they traveled and documented rare plant species in Virginia.

the old adam's family house

His gardening prowess, however, wasn’t much practiced in the White House due to this short stay there. But, they had their family farm, which he tended. His wife, Abigail Adams, was also involved in designing the gardens as she found inspiration during her European escapades.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson is both a scientist and a gardener. He produced “The Garden Book” as he documented his gardening journey. He recorded various techniques, methods, and philosophies in this book, also known as his “horticultural diary.” 

Thomas Jefferson vegetables garden

Most of his gardening activities were concentrated in Monticello where his home belonged. He was also the designer of the Gardens of Monticello, which served as a garden and an experimental laboratory. From there, he planted and documented the methods and techniques for growing different varieties and species of plants. 

With his extensive gardening undertaking, Thomas Jefferson was called the “America’s Patron Saint of Gardening.”

James Madison and Dolley Madison

Dolley Madison garden

The couple James and Dolly Madison seemed to have separate interests in gardening. James was the one who was more inclined to gardening as he grew a lot of vegetables in the gardens of the White House. Knowing that those vegetables were used to feed the President’s guests was interesting.

At that time, it was customary for Presidents to shell out their own money for the food expenses of their office. 

The first lady, Dolly Madison, wasn’t a gardener in nature. However, she displayed affection for flowers and requested a flower crown to be made for her. Hence, people believed that she might have invented this fancy adornment.

John Quincy Adams 

Adam's family old house

As the son of the renowned former US President and garden-lover John Adams, it isn’t surprising to know that John Quincy Adams shared the same passion as his father.  An ornamental garden was his specific favorite. He was the one who planted the first flower garden in the White House residence. He was also a tree-lover and planted many ornamental and fruit-bearing trees. 

He also spent many years experimenting with different techniques and methods for growing fruit trees, such as chestnuts, elm samaras, and acorns.

Andrew Jackson

The 7th president of the United States, Andrew Jackson, was the one who introduced and built the White House orangery. This structure was like an old greenhouse form used in growing fruit-bearing trees and ornamental flowers. During his time, plant species like elm, maple, and sycamore trees were planted for the first time.

White House Orangery

Jackson planted two southern magnolia trees in the White House between 1829 and 1837 to remember his departed wife, Rachel. The famous Jackson tree is engraved on the back of the 20-dollar bill from 1928 to 1998.

However, in 2017, the historical tree was cut off because of the severe damage it suffered. 

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln Memorial Garden

Abraham Lincoln once said, “The greatest fine art of the future will be the making of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.” The former president was indeed an advocate for farming and gardening. And he viewed it as a practical way of life. 

It was reported that Lincoln planted many fruits and vegetables during his stay in the White House. The produce was so abundant that his wife, Mary Todd, would often bring the excess supply to the nearby military hospitals.

Woodrow Wilson and Lady Ellen Axson Wilson

 Lady Ellen rose garden in 1913

Both Woodrow and Lady Ellen had a thing for gardening. During World War I, the President installed demonstration vegetable gardens to encourage more Americans to engage in gardening. The goal was to increase the food supply at that time. He also had 20 Hampshire sheep roaming the White House lawn.

It was reported that the wool harvested was highly valued and that the amount for its price auction was donated to the American Red Cross.

On the other hand, Lady Ellen was known for creating the West Garden. This was the first rose garden in the White House.

Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson

lady bird johnson rose garden

No, it wasn’t Lyndon Johnson who loved to garden but his wife, Lady Bird. It was reported that she imparted many projects that involved gardening in the White House. The most notable improvement was the addition of the Children’s garden. Her vision was to make the planet beautiful, one plant at a time. 

Lady Bird Planting Program 1965

Lady Bird was also a nature-lover and an environmentalist. She made efforts to preserve wild landscapes and species. She established the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in 1982 with Helen Hayes, which is very much alive nowadays.

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan strolling around rose garden

Former President Reagan seemed to have a huge interest in gardening. In an interview with Linda Holden Hoyt, author of the President’s Gardens book, she mentioned that the President loved discussing the gardens with the White House Horticulturist, Irv Williams.

During Reagan’s term, he proclaimed that the rose was the national flower of the US. He also declared that April 12-18 was the country’s National Gardening Week.

While being the country’s top leader isn’t an easy job, our former leaders have found ways to pursue their passion for gardening. Whether through the establishment of landscapes, planting of vegetable gardens, trees, and ornamental plants, or documenting methods and techniques for planting certain species, there’s no doubt that these US Presidents had a heart for nature, plants, and the environment.

Whether you want to buy, sell or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!

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