George Field

George Field was born in London, England on April 17, 1846. Census data suggests he immigrated to the United States in 1874 or 1875; he likely joined the White House staff in 1875 to replace former gardener Alexander McKerichar.¹ At that time, a new fountain had just been installed on the North Lawn, new flower beds and trees were planted, and the Conservatory underwent major repairs and an expansion. Field would likely have been part of these major projects.² Newspapers reported that “the growing of flowers was not only his business but also his pleasure, and he strove to produce the best.”³ He left the role of White House gardener in 1877, replaced by Henry Pfister.⁴ 

After leaving the White House, George Field went into the floral business with his brother, Thomas, and found much success. They were best known for propagating and popularizing the “American Beauty Rose.”⁵ Furthermore, Field continued his connection to the White House in 1906 by providing the orchids for First Daughter Alice Roosevelt’s White House wedding.⁶ George Field died on August 27, 1925 and is buried at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.⁷