The 18-acres surrounding the White House have been an unwitting witness to history -- kings and queens have dined there, bills and treaties have been signed, and presidents have landed and retreated. Throughout it all, the grounds have remained not only beautiful, but also a powerful reflection of American trends. This book tells the untold history of the White House grounds with historical and contemporary photographs, vintage seeds catalogs, and rare glimpses into Presidential pastimes. History buffs will revel in the fascinating tidbits about Lincoln's goats, Ike's putting green, Jackie's iconic roses, Amy Carter's tree house, and Trump's controversial renovations. Gardeners will enjoy the information on the plants whose favor has come and gone over the years and the gardeners who have been responsible for it all. As one head gardener put it, 'What's great about the job is that our trees, our plants, our shrubs, know nothing about politics."

"In this rich and compelling narrative, garden historian Marta McDowell traces the story of how the White House grounds were conceived and how they have changed from administration to administration. From George Washington's obsession with collecting trees to Michelle Obama's kitchen garden, McDowell shows how the White House grounds are a reflection of America's enthusiasms."--Dust jacket.