The Inspiration Behind the Garden

The Obamas are no strangers to gardening—in fact, a kitchen garden was one of the first initiatives that former First Lady Michelle Obama implemented at the White House, leading to the creation of the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden at the OPC. “The edible landscape is heavily inspired by the White House Kitchen Garden that Mrs. Obama planted during her time in office to spark a national conversation about healthy eating for families,” says Andy Wisniewski, associate principal and designer for the Obama Presidential Center campus.

“The kitchen garden at the White House was a big feature of all eight years,“ Tchen adds, who formerly served as Mrs. Obama’s chief of staff. “What we wanted to do here at the Center was both to honor that, but also to do it in a way that was true to the spirit of why we created the kitchen garden, which was to engage people around the country.”

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt serves as the namesake for the garden due to her staunch horticultural history. “It pays homage to Eleanor Roosevelt, who planted a victory garden on the White House lawn during World War II to encourage everyday people to grow their own food.”

What’s Growing in the Rooftop Beds

As you may have gleaned, the raised beds of the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden will soon be full of produce.

“We grow a diversity of crops reflecting various cultural groups in Chicago,” Michael says. “More than 100 varieties of annual and perennial plants will be featured in the garden throughout the year. Seventy-four freestanding raised beds with various accessibility options feature annual plantings seasonally, and nine perimeter areas feature perennial berries, vegetables, native flowers, and herbs.”

Once the produce is harvested, it will go on to make a difference outside the OPC. “The produce will primarily be distributed to a food bank in the local community,” Michael says.

In addition to produce, the rooftop garden is designed to attract friendly helpers that yield a bountiful harvest. “Working alongside experts from the Chicago Botanic Garden, we are creating a robust pollinator network filled with native plants like the Yellow Coneflower and Eastern Bergamot,” Wisniewski says. “These species, combined with local and native species, create a robust and diverse ecosystem that is resilient and adaptable to a changing climate.”

More Than Just a Green Space

While the garden is one of several picturesque spots at the OPC, it’s more of an outdoor classroom than a photo opportunity. “This garden is not just a place to look at beautiful plants; it is a space to roll up your sleeves,” Wisniewski says. “Through hands-on workshops, community members will learn practical skills like composting, local food production, and responsible consumption.”

Garden Gatherings, a biweekly summer event series, is one of the garden’s programming highlights. Beginning Sunday, July 12, Garden Gatherings attendees can learn a new gardening skill—such as turning food scraps into soil—and enjoy time outside with fellow OPC visitors.

You can register for upcoming Garden Gatherings on the OPC website. Each installment is free to attend if you reserve a spot ahead of time.

What to Take Home

Gardens aren’t meant to be intimidating—they’re meant to inspire. The Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden is no different, designed to spark creativity far and away from the OPC. “Ultimately, the garden is built to empower visitors with the tools and inspiration they need to lead healthier lives and bring change home to their own communities,” Wisniewski says.

“Having the plants that we plant in there be ones that are local, or intended for this zone in Chicago, is teaching people, ‘This is what you can grow that will flourish in this environment and in your garden,’” Tchen says. “People...could take the lesson from there and create a small bed for themselves... and feed the community and feed their family.”