The White House Garden Tour

The White House opens its gardens to the public twice a year and we were lucky enough to be around for the Fall Garden Tour which was on Sunday October 17. We all headed off early to get our tickets - the tour is free but we have to collect a ticket first and then get in line to enter the grounds.

We were able to get in on the 9am tour and once inside the gardens you are free to take your time to look around.

This is part of the main building of the White House. I had originally though the Oval Office was in here but it is, of course, over in the West Wing!

These are photos are of the cloisters and the rose garden that are part of the West Wing and lead around to the Oval Office.

James outside the Oval Office, his favourite part of the gardens!

The swing set

The girls loved Sasha and Malia's swing and slide set. It is in the garden quite close to the Oval Office, so they must have to play quietly during important meetings! One little boy tried to cross the roped off area to play on the equipment but he was sternly ordered off by security!

The First Lady's Kitchen garden

Michelle Obama planted her kitchen garden last year with local school kids to promote healthy eating and living. The chefs from the White House use the produce in their menus. There is everything from herbs to tomatoes, okra, cabbage, peppers and eggplant.


The Children's Garden is quite secluded and has a cute little fish pond in it. There are also the hand and foot prints of all the grand children of former Presidents.

The view from the White House looking out towards the Mall, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial.

As we left the grounds of the White House, Pia and Ella spotted the one and only white squirrel they have seen so far. There was much excitement as you can imagine. A white squirrel for the White House!