Master gardener questions longevity of White House garden

University of Idaho master gardener Elaine Walker has examined the history of gardening at the White House and questioned whether Michelle Obamas fruit and vegetable patch will become a permanent fixture at the USAs most illustrious address.

Writing in the Idaho Statesman, Ms Walker noted there have been two other occasions when the gardens at 1,600 Pennsylvania Avenue have been thrown into the national spotlight.

Both occasions happened during war time, with President Wilsons sheep grazing on the lawn during WWI and Mrs Roosvelt starting the Victory Garden in WWII.

The White House used to have a greenhouse, which was erected in 1800, although it was replaced 102 years later to make way for the West Wing.

Ms Walker pointed out that the gardens at the home of the president then took a formal turn – a trend reflected in many US yards.

"A hundred years from now, I wonder if the new garden will be a blip on the timeline or a permanent fixture," she posed.

The master gardener also reminded locals that the recent storms in Idaho had toppled a number of trees, including one that smashed through the historic Edwards Greenhouse.

Established in 1930, the gardens at the centre stretch over ten acres and have been run by the same family for over 75 years.