Henry Pfister

White House Gardener Henry Pfister was born in Zurich, Switzerland on October 10, 1845.¹ He immigrated to the United States in 1872 and became a naturalized citizen five years later.² In 1877, Pfister joined the White House staff as head gardener after finding success as a horticulturist in Ohio; he went on to hold the position across seven presidential administrations.³ Pfister “superintended all the floral decoration at the White House,” overseeing the purchase, breeding, and growth of all flowers in the Conservatory and greenhouses and selecting flowers for State Dinners, display in the Private Quarters, and first family events including funerals and weddings.⁴ By 1899, he was supported by a team of “seven or eight other horticulturists” and “ten laborers” and worked with a budget of over $10,000 per year.⁵ 

His award-winning botanical work continued until President Theodore Roosevelt ordered the building of new executive offices to the west of the house (today’s West Wing), which meant demolishing the White House Conservatory.⁶ Pfister was relieved from his post in 1902, after twenty-five years in his position. After leaving the White House, Pfister opened his own florist shop in the city.⁷ He died on September 19, 1925, and is buried at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.⁸