ground cover at Eternal Flame

Flowering magnolia trees would be planted on either side of the steps up to the terrace.[8] The walkways, elliptical plaza, and terrace were designed to accommodate more than 50,000 visitors per day.[8] The eternal flame itself would be placed in the center of the grassy plot in a flat, triangular bronze sculpture intended to resemble a votive candle or brazier.[8][33][34] Rachel Lambert Mellon was employed to landscape the approaches with flowering trees (magnolia, cherry, and hawthorn).[37] A 150-year-old oak tree, which was off-center in the circular pathway, was to be retained.[8] Concerned that the grass on the burial plot would wither in Washington's hot summers, in the fall of 1966 the decision was made to replace the grass with rough-hewn reddish-gold granite fieldstone set in a flagstone pattern.[36][37] The fieldstones used had been taken more than 150 years ago from a quarry on Cape Cod near where President Kennedy used to spend his summers.[36][44] Crews were forced to work with picks and shovels around the oak tree to protect its roots while engaged in regrading work.[45] The tree's roots were reinforced with concrete to provide stability to the plant, and a "breathing system" incorporated into the concrete to allow the roots to still secure nourishment.[45]