Though we think of our country's capitol as a place of constant change, with Congress and the administration making grand entrances and exits every two and possibly every four years, there is one place that continues to be relatively stable —the pristine grounds of the White House. It is the oldest, continuously maintained landscape in the United States. Contained within the fences of the Peoples' House are eighteen and a half acres, five hundred trees, five thousand shrubs and a multitude of annuals and perennials. With all this spectacular beauty, have you ever wondered who maintains this immaculately kept background for historical events, nightly cable news interviews and visitor selfies?
In addition to the 13 full-time gardeners on the staff, there is on person who oversees the entire horticultural enterprise--Dale Haney, the White House grounds Superintendent. And, he is as deeply rooted as some of the sturdiest trees on the site…for Dale has recently marked his 50th year working on the property. Dale Haney has served 10 presidents and has been up-close to pivotal moments in American history. Even among the long careers of many White House staffers, Haney's tenure stands out, according to Marcia Anderson, the chief publishing officer at the White House Historical Association. It's not unusual for staff to make it to 20 or 30 years, “but 50 years”, says Anderson, is totally “unique”. It must be all the changes of seasons, plants and conditions that makes the work so fascinating and the time go by so seamlessly and quickly. “ You can't work in the White House garden as long as I have without acquiring favorite special places and seasons, a repertoire of stories to tell, and some insider secrets,” Haney wrote in the forward to the 2016 book “A Garden for the President.”
Haney's tenure at the White House began in 1972, when Richard Nixon was the president. He had recently completed his degree in horticulture from Sandhills College in N.C. and was working at Georgetown's Dumbarton Oaks. It was then that the White House called needing help in the garden and Haney was recommended. “When I accepted the job, I agreed to stay for two years”, says Haney—"but time has gone by so fast that it really doesn't feel like 50 years!”
It's fascinating to read about the history of the White House property and the gardens that have been created. There are several good books on the subject, one outstanding one being the book for which Haney wrote the forward, “A Garden for the President.” This award winning book by Jonathan Pliske, is filled with inspiring illustrations and photographs. It tells the history of the White House grounds, focusing on the evolution of its design, the relation between the White House and the landscape, the public and private uses of the grounds, and the cultivation of the grounds. A particular focus is given to the specimen trees, the vegetable and ornamental gardens and the conservatories. Other choice books on the subject are “White House Garden: A History” by William Seal and “All the Presidents Gardens: From Madison's Cabbages to Kennedy's Roses” by Marta McDowell. Each of these demonstrate how the White House grounds have grown with America.
These are each timely books and would make wonderful gifts either for the upcoming holidays or for any occasion on your history or gardening buffs list…or as a special gift for yourself!
Any or all of these books are a truly wonderful way to go from the White House to your house.