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In a notable moment captured in 1978, Vice President Walter Mondale and President Jimmy Carter share a conversation in the serene surroundings of the White House Rose Garden, highlighting the garden’s long-standing presence in American political life.
Pavement is often considered a practical choice for high-traffic areas, particularly in regions like the mid-Atlantic, where the climate features intense thunderstorms in summer and rain during winter. Robert J. Bell, president of Bell Design Inc and a Washington, D.C.-based landscape architect, underscores the challenges of maintaining softer grasses in such environments. He notes, “Walking on uneven turf in formal shoes can create an uncomfortable experience, as there’s always a fear of sinking into a soft patch.”
Understanding “Mar-a-Lago Style”
The influence of Mar-a-Lago’s design ethos on the potential renovations of the Rose Garden remains somewhat unclear beyond mentions in various reports. Miami designer Irena Viitiuk, founder of IV Atelier, suggests that adopting a “Mar-a-Lago style” doesn’t mean outright imitation of the private club’s opulence. Instead, the Rose Garden could benefit from refined hardscaping, potentially incorporating materials like limestone or bluestone, coupled with carefully curated landscaping and subtle historical references.
The aesthetic associated with Mar-a-Lago often evokes the opulent design typical of upscale Florida properties and exclusive golf clubs. According to designer Angie Kreller from Yabby, it combines elements of Mediterranean revival with lavish touches such as gold finishes, grand chandeliers, intricate flooring patterns, and voluminous drapery. Kreller describes this style as maximalist, noting that while it includes European historical designs, it tends to emphasize dramatic impact over subtlety.
Did Trump Redesign the White House Rose Garden During His First Term?
During Donald Trump’s first term, Melania Trump led an initiative to restore the White House Rose Garden in collaboration with the landscape architecture firm Oehme, van Sweden. This renovation sparked controversy, prompting a petition to reverse the changes. The Rose Garden’s history is rich, having undergone multiple redesigns since its inception in 1903 by Edith Roosevelt, making it a subject of continual evolution. Notably, garden designer Rachel “Bunny” Mellon contributed a significant redesign during President John F. Kennedy’s administration, which incorporated a large central grass area into the layout.
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www.architecturaldigest.com