Greenhouses and Gardens

This photograph, taken in May 1969, shows gardens, greenhouses, and a playhouse for the grandkids.

EISE NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Significance:

The Eisenhowers used the gardens and greenhouses during both the presidential and retirement years as a source of fresh produce and enjoyment. This photograph, taken in May 1969, provides a view of the Eisenhower gardens, greenhouses, and a playhouse for the grandchildren.

Designation:

Original Landscape

The Eisenhowers used the gardens and greenhouses during both the presidential and retirement years as a source of fresh produce and enjoyment. Friends of the Eisenhowers provided the greenhouses as gifts in late 1955 and early 1956. They were used for various purposes, including starting seedlings for the Eisenhowers’ orchid collection and to rehabilitate some of Mrs. Eisenhower’s house plants on occasion. It also served as an excellent spot for other flowers and plants the Eisenhowers received as gifts.  

The vegetable gardens were worked primarily by Walter West and John Moaney, with occasional help from farmhands and even David Eisenhower for a few summers. They featured corn, tomatoes, spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, cabbage, beets, peas, cucumbers, string beans, watermelon, potatoes, okra, and more. While the produce was used primarily for the Eisenhower farm, it was, on occasion, also used for meals at the White House or Camp David as well.  

The small white building next to the grenhouses was a playhouse used by the Eisenhower grandchildren. General Eisenhower saw a similar playhouse elsewhere and requested one for his grandkids. It was added in 1956, and according to Ike, “The grandchildren are delighted with their new playhouse, and of course the rest of us get a great kick out of their earnest domestic efforts.”