2021 Governor's Mansion Ornament

The 2021 Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation ornament pays tribute to the mansion’s beautiful rose garden, a favorite area to visit by both children and adults alike. Under the care of Gov. John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards, both avid gardeners, the garden has blossomed to include more than 30 varieties of roses. The rose garden was first established by Gov. and Mrs. Jimmie Davis in 1963.

In 2016, Mrs. Edwards began hosting annual celebrations inviting garden club members from around the state to learn about its history and help sustain its future. She was delighted to welcome Peggy Martin during that inaugural year to plant the Peggy Martin Rose, also known as the Hurricane Katrina Survivor Rose. Several of the climbing roses were placed on trellises in the garden.

Mrs. Edwards further enhanced the garden by adding a swing and lights to the Dripping Oak Fountain designed by Brenda Wiederkehr. In 2017, LSU AgCenter along with First Lady Donna Edwards and several wives of legislators replaced all of the original rose bushes, which were given to the families of former governors. That same year, the garden was officially named the Rose Long Garden in loving memory of Senator Gerald Long’s wife Rose, who generously supported its preservation.

In addition, each parish that has helped with the preservation of the garden has a special plaque placed in front of a rose bush. As you enjoy Southern afternoons with family and friends, we hope this ornament reminds you to always take a little time to smell the roses.