How the newly paved Rose Garden has changed, from Woodrow Wilson to Donald Trump
America's Rose Garden still has its signature flowers, but a new stone tile patio has replaced the green lawn in President Donald Trump’s latest changes at the White House.
Roses and shrubs now border a white stone patio, about the size of an NBA basketball court, that resembles a patio at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's resort and home in Florida, Paste BN reported.
"It's a beautiful white stone and it’s a stone that’s the same color as the White House itself," Trump said.
The garden’s redesign has sparked debate on social media. Trump told reporters it was getting "great reviews" while critics gave less rosy appraisals on social media.
Here's a closer look at the changes and other proposed renovations, including the East Wing ballroom:
How was the Rose Garden changed?
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The Rose Garden is outside the West Terrace and West Wing near the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. It's often used for presidential events, ceremonies and news conferences.
The garden’s redesign has sparked some controversy. Trump said the lawn made it difficult for people attending outdoor events at the White House, including women wearing high-heeled shoes, especially after rain. Others have criticized the redesign, saying on social media that the garden had been turned into the equivalent of a parking lot.
The grass panel is about 87 ft. x 42 ft., according to the final plans in the White House Rose Garden Landscape Report issued in 2020.
What other White House changes are planned?
In his second term, Trump has swapped out artwork around the White House, adorned the Oval Office in gold, and announced plans for a $200 million ballroom addition.
Plans for the Rose Garden's redesign were first reported in February. Trump wanted a durable surface in the garden instead of grass, The New York Times reported.
The lawn removal and stonework began in late June. The work was done by the National Park Service and was paid for by the Trust for the National Mall.
The Rose Garden was created by first lady Ellen Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson, in 1913. The garden was renovated in 1962 by the John F. Kennedy administration, including the grass panel that was paved over.
CONTRIBUTING Joey Garrison, Kinsey Crowley and Fernando Cervantes Jr.
SOURCE Paste BN Network reporting and research; Reuters; whitehousehistory.org; National Park Service