Upon These Grounds: Exploring the White House Garden

You may have toured The House and spent some time lounging around Lafayette Park, and you've probably seen the Rose Garden on the news, but how many of us have ever seen the private President's Patio, or the Child's Garden, or the First Lady's Garden? This charming tape will interest a wide range of viewers, from little old ladies in the DAR to weekend John Deere Lawn Rangers to children delighted by photos of Carolyn Kennedy's pony, Macaroni, on the South Lawn. Perhaps not surprisingly, Thomas Jefferson was the first President to begin tinkering with the grounds of the Executive Mansion. His efforts were expanded upon by John Quincy Adams, an enthusiastic amateur botanist who ordered the collection of specimen American trees for the property. The stately Tennessee magnolia grandiflora planted by Andrew Jackson in memory of his beloved wife Rachel is mentioned, but strangely, not its most recent role in national consciousness: aviator Frank Corder crashed his plane into the Rachel magnolia just shy of the White House in 1994. Tennesseans were distressed that the tree might be cut down after 160 years; fortunately, the White House's skilled tree surgeons were able to save it. The good news for many school librarians is that 30,000 schools will receive a free copy of this tape. This is a "must buy" for public libraries, for the many individuals, civic groups, and garden clubs who will enjoy this excellent historical, botanical, and cultural overview. Highly recommended. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (R. Reagan)