Bellingrath's Grotto Revival & Native Plants

By Todd Lasseigne
Executive Director

The Grotto: A Landmark Restored

One of the most iconic scenes at Bellingrath is the Grotto that overlooks the Fowl River. Designed by George Rogers and constructed in 1931, the Grotto has served for decades as the backdrop for many family photos.

The Challenge Emerges

When I arrived in 2020, it appeared in good working condition, and the plantings (albeit simple) at its base were colorful. By 2022, however, it became apparent that we had a problem with water leaking out of it, as the planting bed became marshy to the point that nothing would grow there. Several attempts were made to find the source of the water, but to no avail. As problems tend to do, one led to another, and we determined that a large live oak (succumbing to heart rot and chestnut blight) might have cracked the stone runnel above, causing water to leak through and flow downhill to the Grotto. By summer 2023, the oak was removed, and repairs on the pathway were underway. Stubborn as it is, the water leak persisted, however.

Uncovering History

Finally, in January 2024, we were able to determine that the water “leak” was actually a natural seepage. Upon digging underneath parts of the stone walkway uphill from the Grotto, we discovered a French drain installed decades ago. This drain was attached to a water bypass that was designed as part of the original structure back in the 1920s! The bypass had become clogged with sediment, and thus the water was flowing downhill and coming out below the Grotto, creating the swampy conditions. The bypass was cleaned, a new French drain attached and installed, and voila, problem solved! (Now, we will soon move on to the Rockery, where another newly discovered water leak is awaiting our attention. Stay tuned.)

A New Chapter in Horticulture

A second tale or project relates to a new initiative that was just undertaken (on February 25) to start a program to add Alabama native plants to the gardens. Based on field expertise by our new Director of Horticulture, Jeremy Schmidt, Bellingrath received permission from the state botanist of Alabama to collect plants of Trillium, a genus of woodland perennial plants, from state-owned property in central Alabama. Although wildflower enthusiasts, some horticulturists, and many botanists know of Trillium, few may be aware that the southeastern U.S. has been a hotbed of activity in discovering new species, and Alabama is part of the epicenter of this activity!

A Partnership for Preservation

Together with Hayes Jackson, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Regional Agent for Calhoun County, Jeremy, Susan Hill, Sarah Brecher, and I were greeted by Dr. Wayne Barger at a site near Tallassee, Alabama, and under his guidance, we were able to collect plants responsibly for use at Bellingrath. Between this newfound partnership and Jeremy’s expertise in crevice gardens, we feel that our newfound start into select native plants will add beauty, vibrancy, and relevance to Bellingrath’s horticulture program. I also feel that this type of horticultural activity speaks to the passions and interest of our founders who sought to enhance beauty through the use of the native landscape at “Belle Camp,” supplemented with ornamental jewels from afar.