This photograph of Charles Henlock, White House gardener, was taken circa 1931. Henlock arrived in the United States from England in 1886, the same year he began working at the White House as a laborer. He was eventually promoted to head gardener, where he oversaw the gardens and grounds and managed the propagation of plants in the White House Conservatory. With the demolition of the Conservatory in 1902 to make way for the construction of the West Wing, Henlock moved to the greenhouses' new location on the National Mall. Henlock worked with several first ladies to select the florals for everything from formal events like State Dinners and Inaugural Balls to everyday decorations around the White House. Henlock was also involved with annual events on the White House Grounds like the White House Easter Egg Roll and the lighting of the National Christmas tree.

Later in his career, Henlock was promoted to chief of the Horticultural Division of the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks, overseeing the hundreds of thousands of plants around Washington, D.C. He was well-known for his estimating the peak bloom for the cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin in Washington.

In 1931, following 45 years of service, Henlock left his role due to the Civil Service Commission regulations outlining mandatory retirement. He then served the White House gardens in an advisory capacity until his death in 1934.