Magnolia
The Park Service is planting a magnolia tree in front of the Residence. It seems rather... centered. I hope they aren't obscuring the view of the house from the street. Security is one thing, but Lincoln didn't hide behind any foliage. What next—a presidential ghillie suit?
Labels: Residence
posted by Derek @ 12:10 AM
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15 Comments:
I thought when I looked at the photo that it looked not centered to me.
I'm not sure how we can tell exactly where it's going to be place while still on the truck. Is this tree replacing the one that had to be removed a few months ago, or was that tree closer to the mansion?
Stephen, that tree you're mentioning was to the right of the North Portico just in front of the driveway. It was replaced, along with others damaged in that storm a few months ago. This new magnolia, and probably more landscaping, is definitely being placed to obscure sight lines from the street/sidewalk as well as from such vantage points as the Hay Adams Hotel, which often "leases" views of the WH from it's Southern windows and rooftop. Look for more screening of the WH in the future.
If the tree is intended to obscure the WH, I feel it is a slap in the face of the American public. I can't think of anything lately that has angered me more than this.
Maybe they should re-open the bunker at the Greenbrier Hotel for the residence and just open the WH as a museum.
Just venting. Sorry
Hi Stephen,
You can tell by the hole in the ground in the picture.
Good one, Becky! They can serve old C-rations for state dinners!
If the Hay Adams view is going to be blocked when are they going to close down the rooftop of the Hotel Washington, or have they? What next, a solid wall? On C-rations, can you hear it now, your Majesty how are you enjoying your Spam-Brulee?
Ok, folks, your Washington area correspondent has hauled himself down to the White House to look at the actual tree. So here it is -
If the North Portico is 12 o'clock, the new tree is at 2 o'clock, on the north side of the driveway. It is at the head of a straight line of 3 or 4 trees that extends toward Pennsylvania Avenue.
Yes, I suppose if one is standing to somewhat to the right of the White House, near or at the driveway entrance, the trees will obstruct the view. But, if you are standing pretty much at or near the center of the fence, or in Lafayette Park, the White House is clearly visible.
That's what it looks like in the picture. Thanks Dennis Great work.
And reporting from the scene we have our man about town, Dennis....
Thanks for the clarification!
Unlike Dan Rather, I am willing to say when I'm wrong. I went back and looked at the Time photo. Now, I don't think the tree in the photo was the tree I was describing. I think the tree in the photo is at 4:30 and closer to the fence. You can see the fountain in the background. I remember seeing that tree, as well as the tree I first described.
Thanks, Dennis! And now back to John with the weather....
I wonder if they are replacing one of the White Saucer Magnolias that were planted on each side of the fountain toward the fence during the Reagan administration? You can see the tree to the left of the fountain in one of the photos(IMG. 2710)that Derek has in his photo album from his trip to Washington. The trunk of the tree is located in front of the man's head in the photo.
I imagine they are trying to restore balance to the landscape to compensate for the void left by the large elm tree that toppled over during a storm last year. I've got a picture of the fallen tree and it appears the tree came precariously close to hitting the mansion.
John with the weather in Cincinnati:
Bloody Cold - that's what the weather in Cincinnati is. Yes, I'm a New Orleans weather wuss.
I'm glad they're planting a magnolia tree. They can sit out under - in the moonlight - it and sip a nice mint julip!
I tell ya suh, that's livin! Nothin' like it!
Wouldn't work because then they'd have to plant trees around the magnolia tree to keep anyone from seeing them sipping a mint julep.
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