The Annual White House Gardens Symposium: A Day Among History and Blossoms

May 2, 2019

On this day, the Annual White House Gardens Symposium took place. The conference was titled "Celebrating Visionaries and Living Landscapes."

The White House Historical Association hosted the esteemed gathering in conjunction with the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, established by Rachel Mellon. This day-long program delves deeply into the history, design, and ongoing stewardship of the White House Gardens, with a focus on the distinguished West and East Gardens that have evolved into national symbols of elegance and natural beauty.

At the heart of this year's symposium are two visionary women whose work has profoundly shaped the gardens: Beatrix Jones Farrand, recognized for her pioneering landscape designs that blend artistry and ecology, and Rachel "Bunny" Lambert Mellon, whose refined sensibilities and dedication have ensured the gardens' continued relevance and splendor.

Thoughtful panel discussions and presentations, featuring leading horticulturists, landscape historians, and authors such as Judith B. Tankard, Linda Jane Holden, Meryl Gordon, and Jonathan W. Pliska, provided rich perspectives on their enduring legacies. Moderators like Paula Deitz and Thomas Lloyd, Bunny Mellon's grandson, guided conversations that reveal both personal insights and scholarly depths.

The program also explored the White House Gardens of today, with experts including Dr. Matthew Costello and horticulture professionals Jim Adams and Jim McDaniel discussing contemporary care, conservation efforts, and future visions. Film clips, documentary excerpts, and curated talks enriched the narrative, weaving history and horticulture into a seamless celebration of a living national treasure.

This symposium provided an unparalleled glimpse into the complex stories of the White House Gardens, inviting all who cherish the intersection of history, landscape architecture, and nature to deepen their understanding and appreciation.