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Melania Trump announces plan for White House Rose Garden 'renewal'

Melania Trump announces plan for White House Rose Garden 'renewal'
Posted at 11:55 AM, Jul 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-27 12:55:06-04

WASHINGTON — Melania Trump has announced plans to renovate the White House Rose Garden — the outdoor space steps away from the Oval Office.

President Donald Trump has been using the Rose Garden a lot more lately for statements and news conferences in the age of coronavirus.

The First Lady says the renovation will make the garden more accessible to people with disabilities, and make improvements for audiovisual and broadcasting needs.

It will also provide improve drainage and conditions for the plants and flowers.

“The very act of planting a garden involves hard work and hope in the possibility of a bright future,” the First Lady said in a statement published to the White House website. “Preserving the history and beauty of the White House and its grounds is a testament to our nation’s commitment to the care of this landscape and our dedication to American ideals, safeguarding them for our children and their children for generations to come.”

The Rose Garden was first installed in 1962 during the Kennedy Administration. Trump's plan will restore the Rose Garden to its original footprint and, as the White House said "restore its elegant symmetry."

Since moving to the White House, Mrs. Trump has renovated the White House bowling alley, and refreshed the Red and Blue Rooms, among other projects.