“Alabama Garden Transformed Into Oasis by Enchanting Azaleas”
By Robbie Caponetto
To witness the beauty of the azaleas, you must journey south, even beyond Mobile, to a quaint town called Theodore, nestled in Alabama. In Theodore, ancient oaks are adorned with wisteria, draped in resurrection ferns and mosses. Palm trees peek out from behind homes, and flower beds burst with vibrant colors. Spring has arrived, and life is stirring. As you pass through Theodore, signs and billboards will guide you further until you arrive at Bellingrath Gardens & Home, a breathtaking destination in the state.
Upon entering, you will be greeted by flashes of pink peeking through the foliage. While Bellingrath welcomes visitors throughout the year, it is during azalea season when the grounds truly come to life. Wander along the winding paths across the 65-acre property, where walls of blossoms in various hues like magenta, coral, fuchsia, and more create a spectacular display. Over 250,000 blooms, both small and large, mingle in the hedges, their branches laden with sun-kissed petals. These blooms, dating back almost a century, tell a timeless tale of love.
The History of Bellingrath
Tom McGehee, the director of Bellingrath Gardens & Home, shares the story behind this enchanting place. Walter Bellingrath, the namesake, was a prominent Coca-Cola bottler in Alabama known for his frugality. Initially hesitant to purchase the land that once housed a sawmill and a fishing camp along the Fowl River, Walter’s love for fishing eventually led him to acquire it. His doctor, who happened to be McGehee’s grandfather, advised him to embrace joy and playfulness, prompting Walter to make the purchase.
McGehee, who has been part of Bellingrath Gardens since 1994, is a treasure trove of knowledge about the estate and its history. Standing outside the house on a sunny day, he recounts the tale of the Bellingraths and their beloved garden.
“When Mr. Bellingrath bought the property in 1917, it was his fishing haven,” McGehee explains. However, Bessie, his wife, recognized the potential for creating a garden and began planting azaleas with the help of architect George B. Rogers, who designed the outdoor spaces and the residence. While Walter was known for his thriftiness, Bessie’s generosity extended to those who worked on the property. Her kindness was extraordinary, as she once gifted a staff member the amount needed to purchase a car without expecting repayment.
During the hardships of the Great Depression, Bessie expanded the gardens in a unique manner, offering aid to struggling families in the Mobile area. Her actions exemplified her compassionate nature and commitment to helping others.
Overall, Bellingrath Gardens & Home stands as a
She would share with families in need the names of those who were experiencing hardship, and then she would pay them a visit at their homes. During these visits, she would spot a particular plant in the yard, usually an azalea or camellia, and make an offer to purchase it from the homeowners. They were often surprised by the generous amount of money she would pay them. As a result, the gardens flourished and the flowers multiplied.
In 1932, the Bellingraths decided to open their property to the public in the spring, which quickly became a popular attraction. A couple of years later, they extended the invitation to visitors throughout the seasons. Unfortunately, Bessie’s health declined in the 1940s, leading to her passing in 1943. Following her death, Walter devoted himself entirely to maintaining the gardens, spending significant amounts of money to preserve the landscape she cherished. He was quoted as saying, “These gardens were my wife’s dream, and I want to see that dream fulfilled in my lifetime.”
The beauty of the gardens brought solace to Walter in his final years. After Bessie’s passing, he spent his days by the river, engaging with visitors and admiring the blossoming flowers beneath the oak trees. A poignant epitaph written by Walter for Bessie’s gravestone hangs above a writing desk in the Bellingrath home, expressing his enduring love and vision of her wandering through an eternal garden of peace.
Visitors can explore the historic home, terrace, and the vast 65-acre grounds, showcasing a plethora of azaleas in various colors. Additional attractions include the Mermaid Fountain, conservatory, chapel, gallery, and boardwalk.
For more information, you can refer to the original article featured in Southern Living magazine.
