Antique Azalea Blooms Thrive at Bellingrath Estate Gardens
Venture south of Mobile, Alabama, and you'll stumble upon the enchanting town of Theodore. Here, the climate's blooming, and the ancient oaks weep with wisteria, adorned by resurrection ferns and mosses. а Palmy of palm trees poke out from behind houses, while flower beds exhibit a kaleidoscope of colors. Welcome to springtime, and the reawakening of the earth. As you pass the Theodore signs, billboards urge you to travel further, into the heart of Bellingrath Gardens & Home, a quintessential piece of Alabama's beauty.
During azalea season, the grounds twinkle like never before. Embark on any of the winding paths across the property's 65 acres, and you'll find yourself in a sea of blossoms, each one more radiant than the last. From magenta and coral to fuchsia and cotton candy, the diverse palette of blooms will leave you spellbound. The petals, kissed by sunlight, cascade from the branches like ethereal waterfalls. The flowers have been an enduring fixture for nearly a century, their love story as timeless as time itself.
The Origins of Bellingrath
"Doctors will tell you that if you listen to a patient long enough, they'll tell you exactly what's wrong with them," ponders Tom McGehee, the director of Bellingrath Gardens & Home. The gardens' namesake, Walter Bellingrath, was a notorious penny-pincher, but also an avid fisherman whose dreams often lingered on the land. One day, he visited his doctor to discuss an unrelated issue, and as fate would have it, the property he'd been contemplating was on his mind. You guessed it-the doctor convinced him to buy it, helping to plant the seeds for the Bellingrath Gardens.
McGehee, a Bellingrath insider since 1994, shares the heartwarming tales of Bessie and Walter Bellingrath, the couple who built the garden they adored. As we stand outside the home in the sunshine, he recounts their inspiring story.
"When Mr. Bellingrath bought the land in 1917, it served as a fishing retreat," McGehee explains. Touched by his wife's passion for azaleas, Bessie approached the property with the vision of a garden. Enlisting the help of architect George B. Rogers, she created a landscape that seamlessly blended the outdoors and the home. While Walter was always careful with money, Bessie's generosity was legendary, especially when it came to supporting her staff.
The Blossoming of Flowers
As the Great Depression deepened, Bessie found a unique way to expand the gardens. She purchased plants from struggling families across the Mobile area, bringing hope and support during those dark times. The economic downturn disguised a multitude of hidden gems, as Bessie discovered many beautiful azalea and camellia plants amongst the struggling homes. These practices ensured that the gardens flourished and multiplied, as they remain a living testament to Bessie's determination and kindness.
In 1932, the Bellingraths welcomed visitors to their stunning estate during the springtime, a decision that was met with widespread admiration. The popularity of the springtime displays eventually prompted the Bellingraths to open the gardens to visitors throughout the year.
Bessie's health deteriorated in the 1940s, and she passed away in 1943. After that, Walter devoted himself entirely to maintaining the gardens, spending extensive resources to preserve their splendor and expand their beauty. He once said, "These gardens were my wife's dream, and I want to live to see that dream come true."
The Legacy of Memories
While azaleas hold a special place in Bellingrath Gardens, there's so much more to explore. Stroll down shaded flagstone paths, each one leading you to a quiet nook adorned with wrought iron benches and walls of greenery. Take a tour of the historic home, filled with antiques, fine furniture, and valuable trinkets. Visit the conservatory, the rose garden, the Great Lawn, and the Bayou Boardwalk, which curves out over the river and back onto shore. Cross the Mirror Lake via a bridge, and find yourself surrounded by swathes of vibrant azaleas. It's evident, even in the smallest details, that this place was shaped by dedication, hard work, and love.
The gardens remained a sanctuary for Walter as he spent the rest of his days on the river, sharing stories with visitors and marveling at the blossoming flowers. Above a writing desk in the Bellingrath home hangs a print of Walter's epitaph for his late wife's gravestone-a poignant tribute to their enduring love. "I shall always think of you wandering through a lovely garden, like that which you fashioned with your own hands, where flowers never fade and no cold wind of sorrow blights our hopes and plans-and on your face, the peace of one whose whole life through, walked with God."
Additional Insights
Venture further, and discover more of what Bellingrath Gardens & Home has to offer. Tour the historic home and terrace, as well as the sprawling 65-acre grounds. Wander through the multi-colored azalea displays, marvel at the Mermaid Fountain, visit the conservatory, encounter the charming chapel, and explore the gallery-all against the backdrop of the tranquil Bayou Boardwalk. Together, these unique attractions paint a vivid picture of Bellingrath Gardens-a magical haven that has captivated visitors for generations.
- Southern Living Magazine features some of the best gardening landscaping ideas, and Bellingrath Gardens & Home in Alabama has been frequently showcased as a must-visit destination for outdoor plants and perennial plants lovers.
- During a visit to Bellingrath Gardens, one can find a diverse collection of azalea plants, especially during the azalea season when the gardens twinkle with radiant blossoms in hues of magenta, coral, fuchsia, and cotton candy.
- The azalea plants in Bellingrath Gardens hold a significant historical value, as they were purchased from struggling families during the Great Depression to ensure the gardens flourished and multiplied.
- Initially, the idea of creating a garden at the property came from Bessie Bellingrath, wife of the gardens' namesake Walter Bellingrath, who was well-known for her generosity.
- Walter Bellingrath, after his wife's passing in the 1940s, devoted himself entirely to maintaining the gardens, preserving their splendor, and expanding their beauty to fulfill Bessie's dream.
- Apart from the azaleas, Bellingrath Gardens offers various attractions such as exploring the historic home, strolling along shaded flagstone paths, visiting the conservatory, the rose garden, and the Bayou Boardwalk – each providing a unique glimpse into the magic of the gardens that have captivated visitors for generations.
