My dear friends, I treasure this worldwide forum. Who can ensure that the precious rose seeds gifted from China to the USA are grown and treated as a beautiful world peace gesture? This is NOT a political discussion. Thank you.
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It is probably inappropriate of me to touch this.
I’m not sure how to avoid this being a political discussion. Depending on who is reporting, this was either a generous symbolic gesture, or a subtle dig, or a cultural gaff.
I think it is best understood as something symbolic.
Xi offered rose seeds for a Rose Garden that is generally understood to no longer exist. Some in the US think this could be a subtle dig. Others view it as highly meaningful and symbolic gesture of new starts. Still others will interpret it as a cultural gaff – in eastern societies, expressing admiration for the property of another compells the owner (if they care to be hospitable) to offer it. (The accepted custom is to express extreme gratitude for the offer while graciously declining.)
I don’t know what gardener would be given the task of germinating the seed, but (forgive me this observation) it is a little ironic in view of the historic rose garden, which held gifts from a great many heads of state, being replaced in Trump’s first term, by Melania, with white roses, and then in this current term, paved over.
I am not sure I fully understand the nature of your not-political question. I am unfortunately feeling a bit cynical, but appreciate you for being able to view it in a non-political light in this day and age.
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I will take them if he cant find a home for them, neighbourhood ~ 60% Asian and many love talking about my rose garden to me as they walk by. Asking for hints.
What a name dropping opportunity for me.
Worry about zone compatibility later if they germinate.
First got to get repaired … hmmm might be a stress riser down the road… better not and stay incognito.
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Thanks for the the thoughtful responses. Do we (collectively) know anyone at the United States Botanical Garden in D.C.? It’s hard to contact people in important positions without an inside connection and the right approach.
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Heather, I think that diplomatic gifts of plants (or seeds) of this sort are normally something that would be worked out through the State Department or similar channels. If any seeds were actually presented, they should also theoretically have headed to APHIS for examination for pests before reaching any further destination.
Stefan
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Thank you, Heather, for your gracious response to my cynism. 
I believe the National Park Service maintains the grounds, and reportedly Dale Haney is the superintendent/ head groundskeeper of the WH grounds.
Dale Haney - Wikipedia Dale Haney - Wikipedia
Meet Dale Haney, the White House groundskeeper for 50 years | AP News Meet Dale Haney, the White House groundskeeper for 50 years
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While the White House usually keeps botanical gifts on the grounds I’d imagine it more likely they hand them over to the U.S. Botanical Garden given they were seeds.
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