White House Garden Tour

Last weekend the Obamas opened their gates (via long security lines) for a bi-annual garden tour of the White House grounds. It was a beautiful day to strolls their immaculately manicured greens. Well, in reality, we were confined to roads and sidewalks, but you get the feel.


Much of the tour focus was on trees planted by various presidents. I had expected to see more flowers, but the gardens are surprisingly simple.

But then there was Michelle's garden! For me, it was the highlight. I'm so happy that it has become a source of public interest. Local kids are brought in to help with planting and to learn about growing vegetables. Then of course, the fruits and veggies are used by the White House cooks.

I was pleased to see a lot of a the same crops that I'm growing (things like kohlrabi, swiss chard, lettuces and kale). However, their plants were huge! They must have had some sort of executive jump start! They are using a more traditional garden set up when compared to me, but they did have raised beds with rhubarb planted. I couldn't get close enough to take a real look, though!

The Obamas have also supported the establishment of a farmer's market near the White House. It's great for those of us working downtown, where there are very limited choices to purchase anything fresh. It's such a pleasure to walk over after work, pick up local fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats and then hop on the bus to head home.

Thanks for the veggies Barack and Michelle!

The difference a week can make

It's amazing how much can take place in one week. This one has been a personal whirl-wind, and the garden has progressed too. The raised bed was built last Saturday and today, there are sprouts poking out from that beautiful organic soil.


My freshly planted seeds of lettuces, kale, kohlrabi, swiss chard and peas faced three days in the 80s and 90s, followed by a deep cool rain and 60s sunshine. Not much has had the chance to germinate, but the Siberian Kale is up.


I transplanted the two varieties of garlic that I started in the sun porch into the raised beds. I'm hoping that they won't be a tasty treat for the bunny rabbits. Although I haven't seen them, I've been warned there is a family near. Hopefully, we'll all get along.


I bought two broccoli and rosemary plants to add to the beds. The broccoli wasn't planned, but I couldn't resist! It'll fit, right? I'll be adding more rosemary and marigold plants in the future, intermingled with the other vegetable plants. Both are known to be a good companions to many of my planned veggies. I couldn't locate nasturtium flowers to include as well. I'll continue to be on the look out for them.

Changes also continue by the hour in the sun porch. The tomatoes I ordered by mail arrived and my seedlings are progressing. Here's the Heirloom Rainbow Blend and the Julia Child Heirloom tomato seedlings (thanks for the seeds, Mom!).

The yard is in bloom. Heath and I were surprised to find that we have azalea bushes in the front! They are pink, white and red. I thought the bushes were a bit unsightly - which they are when not in bloom - but he blossoms are an unexpected bonus! Daffodils, tulips and the new cherry tree are all blooming.

I'll never forget visiting the National Arboretum last year with my mom during the azalea bloom. We snuck out for a walk during a light rain and were stunned by the beauty of a woods nearly full of azalea blooms of many colors, shapes and sizes. I recommend a visit They are currently in bloom...

It's time to head out to enjoy.

The Raised Bed - Too Tired for Words