Author Archives: bellingrathstg

By Cassidy Smith
Marketing & PR Manager

In the rich tapestry of Bellingrath Gardens & Home’s history, one figure stands as a stalwart guardian of its legacy — Tom McGehee. As we celebrate his remarkable milestone of 30 years with us, it’s only fitting to shine a spotlight on the man who has been the custodian of the Bellingrath Home since January 1994.

Stewardship of Bellingrath Home In his capacity as the Director of the Bellingrath Home, Tom oversees the 15-room historical gem, tending to its precious collection of decorative arts, antiques, and archives. His meticulous care extends to the Delchamps Collection of Boehm Porcelain, a testament to his unwavering commitment to preserving Bellingrath’s cultural heritage.

A Scholarly Pursuit of History and Architecture Tom’s passion for history and architecture is evident in his extensive academic journey. Honored with the 2023 Nappie Award for Best Local Historian and distinguished accolades, his commitment to scholarly pursuits is truly exemplary. From the Elizabeth Gould Award in 1996 to global programs like the Victorian Society’s Newport and London Summer Schools, Winterthur’s Winter Institute of Decorative Arts, and the Attingham Trust Summer School, Tom’s passion resonates in every pursuit.

Beyond Bellingrath: A Man of Community Tom’s impact extends far beyond the garden gates. A dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Mobile, he served as its president and continues to contribute to various community organizations, including the Friends of Magnolia Cemetery and the Friends of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion. His accolades include being named Rotarian of the Year in 2012.

Sharing Knowledge: Lecturer and Columnist A recognized expert, Tom has been a regular lecturer for the Roads Scholar program since 1997, sharing his wealth of knowledge on Mobile’s historic districts and Magnolia Cemetery. His insightful “Ask McGehee” column in Mobile Bay Magazine has been a monthly staple for over a decade, earning him the Readers’ Choice Award consistently.

Global Connections Originally hailing from Bronxville, N.Y., Tom’s influence extends globally. From appearing in the “Lost Mobile” series on “Gulf Coast Today” to contributing as an editor for the Magnolia Messenger, his impact reaches far beyond our shores.

As we express our heartfelt gratitude for Tom McGehee’s three decades of dedication, we look forward to many more years of his invaluable contributions to Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Here’s to the past, present, and future with a guardian of our heritage and a cherished member of our Bellingrath family.

As we step into the vibrant realm of 2024, the Education Department at Bellingrath Gardens & Home is thrilled to unveil a series of captivating events, dedicated to fostering STEM-based plant science education for both educators and young minds.

March: K-6 Educator STEM Night In March, we invite educators to join us for an immersive K-6 Educator STEM Night. Teachers will embark on a guided tour through our lush 65-acre Gardens, gaining insights into exciting field trip opportunities for their students. Additionally, educators can register for upcoming Cultivate professional development sessions—an empowering program designed to equip Alabama’s K-6 educators with the foundation and lesson plans needed to cultivate excitement, confidence, and engagement in STEM subjects. Dive into hands-on STEM activities, explore our Gardens, and leave with materials to bring the wonders of STEM back to their classrooms.

April: Cultivate Professional Development Sessions April marks an exciting milestone as we present our inaugural Cultivate professional development sessions for K-6 educators. This CEU-certified program promises to be a transformative experience, providing educators with the tools to nurture a love for STEM in their students.

Summer Youth Camps: Unleash the Explorer Within Throughout the summer, Bellingrath Gardens & Home will host week-long youth camps tailored for kindergarten through sixth-grade children. Nestled in the unmatched natural beauty of Bellingrath Gardens, these camps aim to cultivate a sense of discovery. Participants will engage in hands-on STEM activities, create art, play, explore, and understand their vital role in the environment.

Stay tuned for upcoming details, including dates and registration information. Join us in sowing the seeds of curiosity and igniting a passion for STEM education in the hearts and minds of the next generation!

From left to right: Dr. Richard Benfield, Cassidy Smith (Marketing & PR Manager at BGH), Haley Ligon (Programs & Events Manager at BGH), and Ibo Gülsen (Managing Director of IGMPR “Imagineering Horti Culture” and Chair of the International Garden Tourism Network).

We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that Bellingrath Gardens & Home has been honored with the prestigious “Gardens of the World Worth Traveling For In 2024” award at the 2023 International Garden Tourism Awards. This recognition places us as the sole representative from the United States in this distinguished category.

Nestled in the heart of Alabama, Bellingrath Gardens & Home has long been celebrated for its captivating landscapes and rich horticultural heritage. The International Garden Tourism Awards, globally recognized as the pinnacle of excellence in garden tourism, underscore our exceptional standing among the world’s most captivating garden experiences.

This accolade is a testament to the tireless dedication and vision of those who have nurtured this botanical gem, establishing it as a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts and travelers worldwide.

Not only is this a triumph for Bellingrath Gardens & Home, but it also highlights the growing prominence of the United States in the international garden tourism landscape. Our achievement tells a unique narrative that resonates globally, showcasing an exceptional American treasure on the world stage.

For a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable accomplishment, we invite you to explore our attached media release.

We’re excited to share this story with our readership, believing it adds to the global recognition of Bellingrath Gardens & Home.

MEDIA RELEASE

By Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne
Executive Director

Season’s Greetings as we look forward to the promise of the New Year, 2024! Bellingrath Gardens & Home has been both humbled and honored by all of the support that we have received throughout 2023, from you our members and Friends and also from the many foundations, businesses, and individuals that have supported and worked with us throughout the year. Year’s end always brings forth considerations of a “Top 10,” and so I’ll indulge with this and have you thinking about all that we’ve done, collectively, to honor the remit that Walter D. Bellingrath gave us – “that the Gardens would serve as a fitting and permanent memorial to (Mrs. Bellingrath’s) artistry and genius.”

1. Although most of you may not think of it much, our Board of Trustees and Board of Directors have done nothing but heroic work through all of 2023, championing Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Our thanks goes to them all, especially our chair, Mr. Preston Bolt, Jr. for his exceptional leadership.

2. The Bellingrath Gardens & Home staff have been, likewise, diligent and resilient in their continuing work to cultivate, maintain, interpret, and support this wonderful cultural jewel and institution. Although changes in staffing have occurred, we are as strong now as we were at the beginning of 2023.

3. Those of you who visit us regularly, and even those who only come once per year, are our lifeblood, and we cannot ever thank you enough for your patronage and continuing appreciation for all that we do.

4. We deeply thank the charitable foundations who have so generously supported us in 2023 – the J.L. Bedsole Foundation, the Crampton Trust, the Hearin-Chandler Foundation, and the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, the A.S. Mitchell Foundation, the Alabama Historical Commission, and the State of Alabama.

5. Our design team – 3.fromme Design of Sanford, Florida, and HDLA of Nashville, Tennessee – has been quietly at work on a visionary master plan for Bellingrath Gardens & Home since March of 2023. Stay tuned for exciting announcements in 2024!

6. Bellingrath Gardens & Home was honored in November at the International Garden Tourism Conference in Victoria, British Columbia as one of only ten gardens “Worth Traveling For in 2024,” and furthermore was the only one in the U.S. to be so honored.

7. A significant capital project was untaken and completed to restore the roof of the Boehm Gallery building at Bellingrath earlier this year. This project entailed removal of the original Ludowici roof tiles, replacing the underlayment with new, modern materials, and then carefully reapplying the Ludowici tiles.

8. Bellingrath Gardens & Home, in partnership with Huntsville Botanical Garden and Birmingham Botanical Gardens, is excited to have launched a full-fledged STEM-based plant science education program – an institutional first for us, and one that is long overdue!

9. Working with Alabama Power, we completed an overhaul of our electric main that supplies power to the entire Bellingrath Garden & Home campus. We now have buried electric mains, which will greatly help us to be more resilient to future storms and adverse weather events.

10. Our Founder, Mr. Walter D. Bellingrath, and his beloved, Mrs. Bessie Morse Bellingrath, together set forth the dream and realization of this place, one that has been so admired by millions of people since it first opened to the public in the spring of 1932. They will always be our benchmark, our highest standard we aspire to, and our guiding light.

By Cassidy Smith
Head of Marketing & PR

As we explore the world of gardening, it’s not just about cultivating plants; it’s about nurturing a connection with the Earth and discovering the beauty that nature has to offer. In a recent conversation with Jeremy Schmidt, the Director of Horticulture at Bellingrath Gardens & Home, we delved into his passion for gardening and a particular perennial plant that has captured his heart: Salvia leucantha, commonly known as Mexican bush sage.

Jeremy’s Love for Gardening:

Jeremy is no stranger to the world of horticulture. He has spent years honing his skills and deepening his love for plants. When asked about his journey as a gardener, he shared, “As I grow as a gardener (and vice versa), I consciously seek out perennial plants that are firing off their best floral show while most other perennials are re-loading for another season.”

Salvia leucantha: A Seasonal Marvel:

Jeremy’s affection for Salvia leucantha was sparked during his gardening days in Raleigh, North Carolina. He fondly reminisces, “I first fell in love with Salvia leucantha while gardening in Raleigh, NC.” But what makes this plant so special? Jeremy’s enthusiasm is infectious as he explains, “Because S. leucantha blooms right now!”

As autumn approaches, the garden comes alive with the sight of Salvia leucantha’s “delightfully fuzzy purple flowers.” These blooms serve as a joyful harbinger of fall, signaling the end of a scorching summer in south Alabama. Jeremy notes, “Its delightfully fuzzy purple flowers are a welcome harbinger of fall (or at least proof of the end of one of the hottest south Alabama summers in memory).”

Discovering Salvia leucantha at Bellingrath:

For those eager to witness the magic of Salvia leucantha, Bellingrath Gardens & Home is the place to be. Jeremy shares, “From now through the Bellingrath Gardens & Home chrysanthemum festival, you’ll find this heat and drought-tolerant easy-to-grow Mexican native mint relative lining the great lawn.” The garden becomes adorned with the beauty of this unique plant, creating a visual spectacle that’s not to be missed. And for those who wish to bring a piece of this perennial wonder into their own gardens, Jeremy suggests exploring the atrium, which may have it “quite possibly for sale.”

Cultivating a Connection with Nature:

Jeremy’s words resonate with all garden enthusiasts, reminding us of the profound bond we share with the Earth through our gardens. He aptly states, “In the world of gardening, it’s these little discoveries, like Salvia leucantha, that remind us of the profound connection between us and the Earth.”

As we tend to our gardens and cherish the beauty they bring into our lives, let’s keep our hearts and eyes open for those plants that bloom against the odds, infusing our outdoor sanctuaries with unexpected beauty.

In the words of Jeremy Schmidt, “Each plant we cultivate not only beautifies our surroundings but also enriches our lives.” So, let’s continue to cultivate the Earth for all it’s worth, finding inspiration and wonder in every petal and leaf. Happy gardening!

By Cassidy Smith
Head of Marketing & PR

Nestled within the lush beauty of Bellingrath Gardens & Home lies a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. One dedicated member, armed with binoculars and a keen sense of curiosity, has discovered a thriving ecosystem along the Harrigan/Exxon Mobile Bayou Boardwalk. Join us as we venture into their captivating encounters with the wildlife that calls this boardwalk home.

The Dance of Blue Crabs and Elusive Turtles:

As our member strolls the picturesque paths of Bellingrath, they keep a close watch for signs of wildlife. The boardwalk provides a front-row seat to a mesmerizing aquatic world. Clear waters unveil Blue Crabs in their sideways dance, stealthy turtles gracefully patrolling, and elusive American Alligators occasionally basking in the sun, or silently gliding beneath the boardwalk. The ebb and flow of aquatic life harmonize with the tidal rhythms, creating an ever-changing spectacle.

Stately Herons and the Wood Duck Hideaway:

When the water levels recede, the boardwalk becomes a runway for stately herons. With patience and precision, these majestic birds stalk their prey in the shallows. Here, our member has had the privilege of encountering both the Great White and Blue Herons, although a wood duck sighting remains on their wish list. The nesting boxes along the boardwalk hold the promise of hosting these elusive ducks, providing a perfect habitat to raise their young.

Osprey Tales and Dramatic Encounters:

Springtime unveils a special treat as ospreys take center stage, nurturing their young on a man-made nesting platform. Armed with binoculars, our member witnesses heartwarming scenes of black and white osprey fledglings eagerly awaiting their next meal. Yet, one spring brought a dramatic twist when a Brown Pelican attempted to capitalize on the situation. With determination, the osprey parents executed daring dive-bombing maneuvers, forcing the pelican to retreat in ungainly fashion—a vivid reminder of the wild drama that unfolds in this serene setting.

A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Walkers Alike:

The Harrigan/Exxon Mobile Boardwalk isn’t just a haven for wildlife enthusiasts; it’s a sanctuary for all. The diversity of wildlife activity varies with the time of day and the season, offering a unique experience with every visit. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply seeking a peaceful walk in nature, this boardwalk promises to leave you enchanted by the wonders of the natural world.

As our member’s experiences reveal, Bellingrath Gardens & Home is not only a breathtaking display of flora but also a thriving ecosystem that invites us to connect with the untamed beauty of our surroundings. So, don your binoculars and join us on a journey to witness the magic of wildlife on the Bellingrath Boardwalk.

By Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne
Executive Director

Greetings from this side of the autumnal equinox!  I hope that your gardens are feeling some relief from this summer’s scorching temperatures, although more rains would be appreciated right now.  With cooler days now in-hand, I find my mind drifting forward to the upcoming winter season, and specifically our Magic Christmas in Lights upcoming season – our 28^th annual! 

We are so looking forward to having you join us, but today I want to exhort you to come early for our “A Starry Night Preview Gala.” This will be our fourth preview party for our winter lights season.  Please save the date and mark your calendars for November 23, 2024 (Thursday) from 6:30 through 9:30 pm.  We will have special hors d’oeuvres, wonderful drinks and a specially themed cocktail, and live music courtesy of the Symone French Trio!  Cocktail attire is desired.  Tickets will go on sale starting on October 13 – Friday the 13^th – and will be $75 per person. 

We are also reaching out to local businesses who are interested in sponsorships for this year’s Magic Christmas in Lights.  We already have a special, anonymous $15,000 sponsor lined up, and we invite you to join and help Bellingrath Gardens & Home continue to move forward and excel!

Thank you.  We so look forward to seeing you at this year’s Magic Christmas in Lights 2023!

By Tom McGehee
Museum Home Director

As September comes to a close, residents along the Gulf Coast sigh in relief if the area has not been visited by a hurricane.  Mobile has been hit hard by September hurricanes with the two worst being in 1979 and 1906.

The 1906 storm was Walter Bellingrath’s first.  He had been in town barely three years when it hit the area hard, killing an estimated 150 in Mobile County.  Long before the advent of radar and countless “Weather Alerts” residents along the Gulf Coast were often surprised by the unwelcome arrival of a hurricane.

In late September of 1906 there had been news of a hurricane entering the Gulf of Mexico, but the slim accounts offered little help as to where it would hit.  The closest guess was from the western coast of Florida to New Orleans.  Skies were overcast in Mobile on September 25 and as the day progressed so did the amount of rain.  Telephone service and electricity were knocked out by 9:00 PM.  The next day the winds picked up rapidly, knocking down church steeples and sending statuary atop the Mobile County Courthouse crashing to the street and the storm only worsened that night.

On the night of September 27, two days of heavy rain joined a high tide resulting in heavy flooding.  Water rushed several blocks into downtown Mobile bringing an assortment of debris and a few riverboats.  Walter Bellingrath found his modest Coca-Cola plant on Water Street waist deep in water.  In a letter to his mother, he described watching helplessly as countless wooden crates for his bottles were washed out into the Mobile River.  Discouraged he wrote, “I feel just like a modern day Jonah.”

Thankfully, Walter Bellingrath started over and just two months later married Bessie Morse.  The couple would go on to survive other hurricanes together, none of which would equal the storm of 1906.

By Cassidy Smith| Head of Marketing & PR |

Bellingrath Gardens & Home is delighted to introduce its newest addition to the team, Jeremy A. Schmidt, who assumed the role of Director of Horticulture on August 31, 2023. With a passion for creating awe-inspiring outdoor spaces that foster a deep connection to nature, Jeremy brings a visionary perspective to one of the region’s most cherished botanical treasures.

Jeremy A. Schmidt joins Bellingrath Gardens & Home after spending an impressive 15 years immersed in one of the world’s largest collections of captivating plants at Plant Delights Nursery/Juniper Level Botanic Garden, where he served as the Research and Grounds Supervisor. His extensive expertise in horticultural art and infrastructure will enhance Bellingrath Gardens & Home’s already renowned outdoor spaces.

What makes Jeremy’s arrival especially exciting is his commitment to innovative horticultural practices. He’s known for pioneering techniques like combatting compaction with compaction, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of gardening. Jeremy has even stacked over 3 million pounds of stone to promote botanical diversity—an extraordinary feat that exemplifies his dedication to transforming landscapes.

Furthermore, Jeremy brings valuable research experience to Bellingrath Gardens & Home. His work with native Trillium populations and their cultivation in the garden will undoubtedly contribute to the garden’s ongoing growth and success. “We are tremendously excited to have someone of Jeremy’s stature join the horticulture team as our new Director of Horticulture at Bellingrath Gardens & Home.  Jeremy is a brilliant plantsman, stone expert and artisan, and passionate horticulturist,” says F. Todd Lasseigne, Executive Director.

Jeremy himself is eager to embark on this new journey at Bellingrath. “I am excited to stand alongside my fellow BGH team members as we cultivate a foundational atmosphere of intense connection and excitement for our guests, positioning BGH as a world-class example of imaginative botanical display and anthropocentric land stewardship,” says Jeremy A. Schmidt. “Then let’s see where we can go from there!”

As Bellingrath Gardens & Home continues to evolve and innovate, Jeremy A. Schmidt’s visionary leadership promises to take this iconic garden to even greater heights. Stay tuned for exciting developments and inspiring transformations as we embark on this botanical adventure together.