The Obamas Vegetable Garden at the White House

The Obamas Vegetable Garden at the White House

Michele Obama, along with help from twenty-three fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School in Washington, started to dig up the new 1,100-square-foot Victory garden plot in the White House Lawn on Friday March 20. The gardens location is near the Obama girls’ swing set and will be visible to people passing by the White House if using E Street.  Pale
Creative Commons License photo credit: Super Is Sunny

There has not been a vegetable garden on the White House lawn since Eleanor Roosevelt’s victory garden in World War II. With the tough economic times facing Americans and other countries this is the perfect time to realize the importance of growing your own fresh organic vegetables and fruit in you own backyard. And for a small amount of money spent you save hundreds or thousands of dollars on your food bill.

The organic garden will help provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, but its most important role, according to Mrs. Obama, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern.

“My hope,” the first lady said in an interview in her East Wing office and as reported originally in the New York Times, “is that through children, they will begin to educate their families and that will, in turn, begin to educate our communities.”

There have been many successful school community gardens in the last few years and the students from Bancroft Elementary have had such a garden since 2001. These student will be helping through the growing season to plant, harvest, and cook the produce grown. Vegetables, fruits and herbs are planned for the garden. Vegetables top the list with 55 different varieties being planted. Heirloom seeds are are being used in the garden.

The Obama family will also help, including the President. As gardening is relaxing and great exercise, the garden will benefit them  with better fitness and fresh organic quality produce. Promoting healthy eating has become an important part of Mrs. Obama’s own agenda.

As reported in an internet article, The first lady, who said that she had never had a vegetable garden, recalled that the idea for this one came from her experiences as a working mother trying to feed her daughters, Malia and Sasha, a good diet. Eating out three times a week, ordering a pizza, having a sandwich for dinner all took their toll in added weight on the girls, whose pediatrician told Mrs. Obama that she needed to be thinking about nutrition.

The Obamas having a garden that is set up along the Victory garden or Recession garden idea of organic food production and saving energy with small farm principles should send a message about healthy eating. I think it also sends a message to save money and help you, your family and the community.

The Obamas White House garden will be a focal point of interest this summer. And as interest in garden has picked up all across the United States you may want to consider you own recession garden or join in a community garden near where you live. Check out the $20 Recession Garden challenge for additional information

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6 responses to “The Obamas Vegetable Garden at the White House”

  1. Teriss

    I can’t wait to see the best organic vegetables and various plants growing this summer at the Whitehouse. It must be fertile ground for new policies during this recession and a victory for the food bank down the street. Bonus points to Michelle.

    Teriss’s last blog post..The Zen Diet

  2. This will definitely be a project to watch. I think its a great idea! Denise

    Denise’s last blog post..The Obamas Vegetable Garden at the White House

  3. I think this is a smart thing for them to do- pity there hasn’t been one since Roosevelt! I’m sure a lot of people out there will enjoy watching the progress of this garden- what an inspiration! Hope you are enjoying your spring- happy gardening!

    Tessa at Blunders with shoots, blossoms ‘n roots’s last blog post..Driving into Spring!

  4. Denise

    Hi Tessa,

    It will be amazing to watch the White House garden grow. And the children from Bankcroft Elementary school are having an experience of a lifetime working there. Yes, a garden is well overdue!

    Its still a bit chilly here. We have had a brutal wind. But the gardens are covered and all the plants are warm! Thanks for stopping by! Denise

  5. Teriss

    Michelle Obama is setting a great example for the country – make your own garden an oasis and grow your own food is the new locavore economy basis principals which is saving the planet and energy. Instead of shipping tomatos from california to your table, grow them in the backyard garden- they are healthier and fresher!!

    Teriss’s last blog post..YouTube Video of Whoopie

  6. Teriss

    Great post on Michelle Obama and forgot to mention that planting your own garden in a natural non chemical way is better for you and gives your kids experience and skills.

    Teriss’s last blog post..YouTube Video of Whoopie

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