GCO Spotlight: Bellingrath Home and Gardens by Diane Shields
There’s always something blooming at Bellingrath Gardens near Mobile, Alabama. Unless you are someone working in a display garden or have visited southern Alabama, you probably never heard of Bellingrath Gardens. Located just 10 miles south of Mobile encompassing 900 acres along the Fowl River, Bellingrath Home and Gardens is a southern estate garden with 65 cultivated acres of blooms and beauty every day of the year.
Walter Bellingrath began Mobile’s first Coca Cola bottling operation in 1903. His franchise spanned a 100-mile radius. His perseverance and warm personality made him a tremendous success. By WWI, his business had become a major operation in Mobile. However, his success took a toll on his health. His doctor advised him to get some rest and relaxation. So, he bought the property along the Fowl River.
The Bellingrath home in Mobile was known for its beautiful gardens. Their azalea collection was the city’s largest. Bessie Bellingrath began bringing cuttings down to her husband’s fishing camp, called Bell Camp.
After an extensive tour of European gardens, the couple decided to get professional assistance in the design of their property in 1927. They hired George B. Rogers, Mobile’s most prominent architect. He worked continuously on developing the property and their home, until his death in 1945.
In 1932, the Bellingraths opened the gardens to the public for a day of azalea gazing. The response was so over whelming that they decided to open it permanently, while charging a fee for the care and upkeep. The gardens kept expanding the collection of azaleas and camelias. The azalea collection now numbers 250,000 specimens.
The Bellingraths expanded their home to include a garage, guest house and intimate chapel. The garage now serves as the Delchamps Gallery of Edward Marshall Boehm Porcelain, the largest collection of its type open to the public.
At the age of 80, Mr. Bellingrath created the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation to perpetuate the existence of his beloved home and gardens for future generations to enjoy.
My husband and I have been Bellingrath members for several years. In March we enjoyed the azalea “bloom out”, which is truly an amazing display. But no matter what time of year you visit, it is always beautiful.
Diane Shields
Walter Bellingrath began Mobile’s first Coca Cola bottling operation in 1903. His franchise spanned a 100-mile radius. His perseverance and warm personality made him a tremendous success. By WWI, his business had become a major operation in Mobile. However, his success took a toll on his health. His doctor advised him to get some rest and relaxation. So, he bought the property along the Fowl River.
The Bellingrath home in Mobile was known for its beautiful gardens. Their azalea collection was the city’s largest. Bessie Bellingrath began bringing cuttings down to her husband’s fishing camp, called Bell Camp.
After an extensive tour of European gardens, the couple decided to get professional assistance in the design of their property in 1927. They hired George B. Rogers, Mobile’s most prominent architect. He worked continuously on developing the property and their home, until his death in 1945.
In 1932, the Bellingraths opened the gardens to the public for a day of azalea gazing. The response was so over whelming that they decided to open it permanently, while charging a fee for the care and upkeep. The gardens kept expanding the collection of azaleas and camelias. The azalea collection now numbers 250,000 specimens.
The Bellingraths expanded their home to include a garage, guest house and intimate chapel. The garage now serves as the Delchamps Gallery of Edward Marshall Boehm Porcelain, the largest collection of its type open to the public.
At the age of 80, Mr. Bellingrath created the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation to perpetuate the existence of his beloved home and gardens for future generations to enjoy.
My husband and I have been Bellingrath members for several years. In March we enjoyed the azalea “bloom out”, which is truly an amazing display. But no matter what time of year you visit, it is always beautiful.
Diane Shields
