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Your guide to Melania Trump's Rose Garden renovations - L.A. Focus Newspaper

Construction has already begun on the space, seen by many as the most recognizable and important outdoor arena in American politics.

But what exactly does the overhaul entail? How will it change the landscape? And will it still have roses?

Here's a run-through answering key questions around the redesign, based on the more-than-200-page report issued on the project.

Why does the Rose Garden need a renovation, anyway?

The Rose Garden as we know it today was established in 1962, under President John F. Kennedy. And although there are yearly changes and updates and there have been several smaller facelifts throughout the last five decades, it has been quite some time since a full makeover has taken place.

In that time, roots have grown and spread, affecting some plants, and larger trees have created too much shade, according to the report. Additionally, the turf has suffered continued damage due to drainage issues and sloping, and the walkways are made of eight separate paving materials -- each having been built or redone during disparate renovation projects.

In short, taking into account experts' assessments of the design, agriculture, environment, infrastructure, irrigation, wear and tear -- it is time for a significant update.

When did Melania Trump decide now was a good time for the renovation?

In May of 2019, according to a White House official, when Trump began planning for a clearer garden that would allow for more sunshine and healthier botanicals. She expanded the project to include more extensive upgrades after the September 2019 State Dinner in the Rose Garden. "The first lady recognized room for improvement, not only to plantings, but to technological issues, lighting, drainage, etc.," said the official. Shortly thereafter, Trump engaged landscape architectural firms, Perry Guillot, Inc., and DC-based Oehme, van Sweden, as well as the National Park Service and Dale Haney, the White House superintendent of grounds. There is perhaps no one alive who knows the outdoor spaces of the White House better than Haney, who has worked on them since 1972 when he first was a gardener for the National Park Service. In 2008, Haney was promoted to his current position, which falls under the Executive Office of the President.

What does the new Rose Garden mean for the President's events?

For the next three weeks while the project is completed, according to a White House official, it means a lot of work going on outside his Oval Office doors, as teams of workers and gardeners and electricians tear up and then replace the entire garden.

In the long term, it means Trump and future presidents will have a more technologically capable spot for televised and streamed events. One of Melania Trump's stated goals in the renovation is to "fulfill the dynamic needs of the modern presidency," according to a letter she wrote as part of the submitted and approved garden plan.

Not only will the lighting be updated for more TV-friendly viewing, there also will be