1h10

Instant confirmation

About this activity

John Ousley was the first official White House gardener. He was hired in 1825 by President John Quincy Adams (6th U.S. President) and replaced in 1852 by President Millard Fillmore (13th U. S. President). With these years of service in hand Mr. Ousley is highly qualified to treat walk guests to a look at early American history through the White House gardens.

For instance, do you know which U.S. presidents were farmers before they became president? Or which president wanted to create a forest of trees from around the world? What about the president who preferred gardening to governing? Or the one who planted that very special magnolia? What a story it tells! Well, do you know all the Latin names for local flowers, bushes and trees? The very poetic John Ousley knows the answer to all of these. He knows much about the early White House gardens and the U.S. presidents who loved or hated them.

After the walk, you might enjoy a visit to the White House Visitor Center for more information about living and working in the White House.

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Included

Professional guide
Entry/Admission - Pickle Pea Walks

Not included

Gratuities
Entrance to the White House and/or White House grounds

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
DC can get quite hot in the summer so please bring along water to drink on the walk.
We do a moderate amount of walking so wear comfortable shoes.
We do not stop for bathroom breaks so please come prepared to remain with the group for the duration.
We stay in the shade as much as possible but it's a good idea to wear sunscreen, just in case.
The walk will not take place in un-friendly weather such as ice storms, snow, continuous rain, thunderstorms, high winds, extreme heat or if it is lightening. Walk guests will be notificed via email, text or phone call if a walk must be cancelled.

Features

Tourism

95%

Cultural

90%

Original

35%

Collections This experience is part of these collections