"In this rich and compelling narrative, garden historian Marta McDowell traces the story of how the White House grounds were conceived and how they have changed from administration to administration. From George Washington's obsession with collecting trees to Michelle Obama's kitchen garden, McDowell shows how the White House grounds are a reflection of America's enthusiasms."--Dust jacket.

The front and back yard for the first family, the White House is by extension the nation's first garden. McDowell starts his story with the seed-collecting, plant-obsessed George Washington and ends with Michelle Obama's focus on edibles, to create a compelling narrative of how the garden is also the story of America.