Public Can View Michelle Obama's Kitchen Garden in October

It's not your average White House tour. The White House announced today that it's opening up its grounds and gardens for two days this fall. Members of the public will get a glimpse of the widely talked about Michelle Obama kitchen garden. And visitors will be able to see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, the Rose Garden, the Children's Garden, and the venerable South Lawn. Tickets are being doled out on a first-come-first-served basis.

Here's more on the tour from the White House press office:

ANNOUNCING THE WHITE HOUSE GARDENS AND GROUNDS TOURS:

The White House Gardens and Grounds Tours will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th, and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 18th, 2009.Visitors to the gardens will be able to view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children's Garden and the South Lawn of the White House.

The Kitchen Garden, a new addition to the South Lawn, will be viewable from a distance along the tour route. There will be a visual explanation to help educate tourists on the elements of the garden.

The tours are open to the public; however, a ticket is required for all attendees, including small children. The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tickets will be distributed—one ticket per person—on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tours of the Residence will be closed on the dates of the Garden Tours.Please note the following are prohibited on the White House grounds:

• Food and Beverages of any kind
• Duffel Bags/Suitcases/Backpack
• Animals (except guide dogs)
• Aerosols of any kind
• Knives of any size
• Mace
• Smoking
• Real or Simulated Weapons/Ammunition
• Fireworks/Firecrackers

The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.

Strollers, wheelchairs, and cameras are permitted.

In case of inclement weather, the Garden Tours will be cancelled. Please call the 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041 to check on the status of the event.