Who Planted the Crab Apple Trees at the White House?

There are a lot of mysteries surrounding the White House, one of which is the origin of the famous crab apple trees that line the front lawn. These trees have been a staple of the White House since the early 1900s, but their exact origins have been lost to time. Many presidents and first ladies have had a hand in the gardens around the White House, but who planted the crab apple trees?

The Beginnings of the White House Garden

The gardens of the White House were first designed by French landscape architect Pierre L'Enfant in 1791. The original plan called for a large garden that would surround the White House, complete with fountains, paths, and flowering trees. However, the garden was slow to take shape, and it wasn't until the early 1900s that the White House garden began to take its current form.

The First Lady's Role in the Garden

In the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt and his wife Edith began to take an active interest in the White House gardens. Edith Roosevelt, in particular, was a passionate gardener, and she oversaw the planting of many of the trees, flowers, and shrubs that still grace the garden today.

The Mystery of the Crab Apple Trees

Despite the Roosevelts' influence over the White House gardens, it is not clear who was responsible for planting the crab apple trees. Some sources suggest that the trees were planted as part of a larger effort to beautify the White House grounds during the Roosevelt administration. Others suggest that the trees were planted by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960s.

Unraveling the Mystery

In truth, the exact origin of the crab apple trees is likely lost to time. While many presidents and first ladies have worked to maintain and improve the gardens around the White House, the work of maintaining the gardens is often delegated to the White House grounds crew. As such, it can be difficult to trace the origins of specific trees or plantings back to any one individual.

Conclusion

While the story of the crab apple trees at the White House may remain a mystery, their beauty and symbolism continue to inspire visitors from around the world. Whether planted by a first lady or a member of the White House grounds crew, these trees serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our natural world. And who knows, perhaps one day we may uncover the truth about their origins, and add a new chapter to the rich history of the White House gardens.