Premier's Garden
The Premier's Garden is a section of the grounds of Government House in Cárdenas where each Premier plants a tree, shrub, or other vegetation upon taking office. The tradition began in 1698 AN when Gerhardt Eugen Seydlitz, upon succeeding Augustus Strong, planted a Santanderian cedar near the eastern terrace. Seydlitz reportedly chose the cedar to represent the endurance of the Federation's institutions beyond any single administration. His successor, Julio Delgado, continued the practice by planting a flowering kantuta from the Wechua Nation, and the custom has been observed by every Premier since.
The garden now contains plantings from all twelve Premiers who have served since 1698 AN, arranged chronologically along a curved path that winds through the eastern grounds. Several plantings have become notable in their own right: Felipe de Almagro's olive tree, planted in 1708 AN, is now the largest specimen in the garden and provides shade for a bench where visitors often photograph. Marissa Santini broke with the tradition of trees by planting a rose garden in 1729 AN, the first Premier from the Federal Consensus Party to contribute to the collection. José Manuel Montero planted a chenar tree native to Alduria in 1749 AN, selecting it for its association with shade and a long life, following the political turbulence of that year's government formation.
The garden is open to the public during Government House visiting hours. A small plaque beside each planting identifies the Premier, the date, and the species. The Federal Capital District horticultural service maintains the garden, and replacements are planted in the rare cases where a Premier's original planting has died, with the original plaque retained and a notation added.
