Where will USDA plant the seedling magnolia tree given to USDA by the First Lady?
A. USDA will decide on the best location as they design the master plan for the People’s Garden. The seedling comes from the Jackson magnolia tree that sits on the south portico of the White House. It’s a special tree because it was planted by President Jackson in honor of his wife Rachel who passed right before they moved into the White House. The small Magnolia grandiflora tree was repotted on Monday, February 23rd into a pot that will allow its root system room to grow. It is currently growing in a USDA greenhouse at the U.S. National Arboretum. Q. What else will be put into the People’s Garden? A. Other ideas for the People’s Garden include a series of rain and pollinator gardens, bioswales (landscaping to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water), native planting sites, green roofs, an education plaza, a memorial walk and a children’s garden. Through these many garden concepts, “The People’s Garden” demonstrates USDA’s commitment to connecting with communities, promotin
