Ornamental Gardens, the White House Greenhouse, and Downing's Fence

This photograph of the South Lawn of the White House Grounds was taken around 1875. The South Portico of the Executive Mansion is clearly visible in the background, standing high above the ornamental gardens of the era and the first White House greenhouse (the small structure to the left), which was a relocated orangery. The ornamental garden is fenced in by a delicate, latticework screen designed by landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing. The fence's intricate design was topped with small finials, each bearing the United States Shields with the intention of creating a barrier from intrusion on the gardens, but a barrier that could be easily seen through.