Socialite and style icon Bunny Mellon is one of the most intriguing figures in recent American history.
Bunny, born Rachel Lowe Lambert in 1910, lived to be 103 years old and quietly lived at the center of many of the most important moments in recent American history.
Most notably, Bunny was close friends with President John F. Kennedy, as well as his wife Jackie Kennedy.
Despite having friends in high places, Bunny herself was generally private, and often shrouded in mystery.
But now, more details of her interesting life are being revealed in a new biography, Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend.
One of the more interesting facts about Bunny is that she designed the White House's famous Rose Garden at JFK's person request — but did you know how she was asked?
Keep reading to learn some more about Bunny Mellon, including how President Kennedy chose her to design the Rose Garden.
[H/T: DailyMail]
Thumbnail Photo: JKF Library // George W. Bush White House Archives
Bunny Mellon was born Rachel Lowe Lambert on August 9, 1910. According to The DailyMail, Bunny got her nickname from her mom, because she "looked like a bunny" when she was born.
As a child, Bunny was very close with her grandfather, and loved spending time in nature. She wrote that "as a child, wild flowers were part of my feeling of freedom."
When Bunny's father hired landscapers to help create a new garden at their home in Princeton, New Jersey, young Bunny was transfixed. She followed them around, asking questions and learning everything she could. Gardening became a passion for Bunny that would stay with her throughout her life.
When they met in 1957, Bunny and Jackie Kennedy immediately clicked. They were like sisters, and Bunny began to spend a lot of time at the White House during JFK's presidency.
One day, in August 1961, Bunny got a call from Jackie Kennedy. Bunny was on vacation in Cape Cod.
According to the DailyMail, Jackie said, "'Jack's going to ask you to do something for him, promise me that you will do it. He wants you to design a garden for him at the White House. Outside his office." Then she hung up quickly.
When Bunny finally spoke with JFK, he asked her "to create the perfect outdoor stage set as the backdrop for his presidency, and every president to come." He wanted the new garden to be welcoming and presidential.
Bunny's work has made the Rose Garden into one of the most iconic White House locations.
Jackie Kennedy said that "her husband's happiest times in the White House was spent in [Bunny's] garden."
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