Category Archives: Bellingrath Blog

Announcing Orchids and Mardi Gras (aka “OMG!”)

What floral display could possibly capture the euphoric, indulgent, ephemeral spirit of Mardi Gras? Glad you asked. Orchids. Lots and lots and lots of orchids.

Starting around Mardi Gras, 2027, Bellingrath Gardens is going all out orchid crazy. The admissions building will welcome you properly with a massive orchid centerpiece. The conservatory will be to be packed to the panes with orchids. The café will be serving delicious orchid vignettes. The Bellingrath Home will be as alive and priceless as ever, but overflowing with orchid arrangements like never before. And we will even be displaying orchids outside…fully prepared to bring them inside anytime it gets too cold. Also, the Atrium, the gift shop, the Boehm Gallery, the Bellingrath Courtyard—we are going to cram orchids into places you didn’t know orchids would fit. If you tell us you find our orchid displays excessive, we will be sure to thank you for the compliment! If you think I’m using “orchids” too many times in this article, then I have only one thing to say to you…OMG!

This is a really big deal! We’ve been planning and preparing for OMG! since last August. Late last summer, while we were mapping out our operational spending for this year, we doubled our plant budget to make room for buying in so many orchids. Yes, you read that correctly, and yes, it’s worth repeating…Bellingrath doubled its plant budget just to buy tons of orchids. OMG!  Soooo…how much will we raise the ticket price to see the orchids? Glad you asked. We invite you to experience “Orchids and Mardi Gras” for the price of general admission to the Gardens and general admission to the Home. Are you a member? Friends of Bellingrath members get into the Gardens for free. OMG!

Now that I’ve spilled the beans (I guess…uhhh…Vanilla beans?), there’s no going back! In the next eleven months, we are going to be building set pieces, drawing designs, ordering orchids, and finally installing orchids. Please don’t ask me to record how many hours we are going to be stuck in orchid show planning sessions. But already, we’ve visited other orchid show host venues, and recently returned from the international 2026 Tamiami orchid festival. Hear what our Nursery Manager, Tom Papp, has to say about the trade show:

“The country’s largest orchid festival is not for the faint of heart. From the moment you rush across the threshold mingled with thousands of fellow orchid-lovers into the towering Miami Dade Expo Center, the unending sights, sounds, and scents of thousands of orchids are nearly overwhelming. With almost two hundred vendors from around the world and three days to take it all in, visitors are greeted with every color of flower (and flowers in colors they hadn’t even imagined yet), shapes they didn’t know plants came in, and fragrances on par with the most expensive perfumes of every culture and continent. Some plants were as tall as a person, and others could fit entirely in the palm of your hand with room to spare; here you’d see a table with showy flowers fit for a Victorian estate, and at the booth just next door, some alien and seemingly impossible plants. It truly is a sensory tsunami of proportions appropriate for what is likely the largest family of flowering plants on Earth, but even the most delicate flower, shrinking violet, or shy wallflower will find themselves eventually drawn in by the menagerie of award-winning display specimens and exotic plants available for purchase. If the magnetic pull of hitherto-unheard-of orchids just waiting for a new home somehow wasn’t enough, the world-class lecture series presented by some of the biggest growers and research institutions in the orchid world would seal the deal. It’s a phenomenal experience for anyone, from total novices to botanical experts, and we were honored to represent Bellingrath Gardens and Home and bring back some incredible specimens to display in our always-growing orchid collection.”

Ok, you may have gathered that Tom is an orchid lover if ever anyone loved orchids. Back in his greenhouse lair, Tom is working to retrofit one of our oldest greenhouses to serve as an orchid collection house, giving us the opportunity to maintain, grow, and cycle into display a permanent orchid collection. 2027 will be Bellingrath’s inaugural OMG!, but the conversion of an 80 year old glasshouse will establish Bellingrath as a legitimate orchid collection holder, where 10% of the orchid budget will be spent on adding new accessions.  So, each year, OMG! will showcase new displays, new combinations, and crazy new ideas. Simultaneously, our permanent collection will increasingly support the seasonal orchid display in ways that may inspire you to talk about orchids with the same involuntary exuberance as Tom. These things happen. And we hope you are willing to take that risk.

Orchids and Mardi Gras!” kicks off at Bellingrath Gardens and Home in 2027. So, if you were in Mobile in 1703 to attend the inaugural Mardi Gras Festival, and you felt the show was missing something, we believe you’ll be telling your friends “Orchids and Mardi Gras…it was worth the wait.”

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Our Mardi Gras Cat

Within the Bellingrath Collection is a cast iron cat produced around 1900 by the Hubley Manufacturing Co. of Lancaster, Penn. The cat is also a long-standing symbol of one of Mobile’s oldest Mardi Gras organizations: the Infant Mystics.

The organization’s earliest symbol consisted prominently of a cotton bale since cotton sampling was a popular profession in Mobile. A knight was added representing undying chivalry, along with an elephant as a symbol of unfailing remembrance.

A black cat was placed atop the cotton bale. The cat has been described by some Carnival historians as being “a symbol of all things inscrutable, of mystery and secrecy.” The organization itself has been quoted as saying their cat had no link to the occult and that “he was really just a mascot of alley ancestry.”

The 2025 Infant Mystics parade (always held on Monday night before Mardi Gras) had as its theme “Cats Love a Hair-Raising Adventure.” This was an historic night as it was the first time their parade had started from Cotton Hall, the former Protestant Orphan’s Asylum on Dauphin Street.

Now what do the IMs and their cat have to do with the Bellingraths? Walter Bellingrath was a proud member of the Infant Mystics and that cast iron cat has a remarkable resemblance to the IM Cat. So happy Mardi Gras!

Getting the Word Out: Marketing an Icon

One of those familiar phrases that leaders never really want to hear is that you are “one of the best-kept secrets.” Bellingrath Gardens & Home, now open to the public for almost 94 years, is hardly in a position to be considered as a “secret” place, and yet sometimes we are astounded in hearing how many people, including locals, do not know about us. When I began working here in September 2020, I quickly realized that we had lots of work to do in getting the word out. Mr. Bellingrath was one of the savviest marketers of his era, and we needed to follow his lead in advertising year-round. I also sensed that we could do more to tap into the tourists coming to the region for our Baldwin County and Mobile County beach communities and Mardi Gras.

Public gardens around the U.S. have seen nothing short of a reinvention of themselves since the 1990s. With the rough “birth” of the modern public garden occurring, in the South at least, in the late 1970s/early 1980s (my estimate), the U.S. saw many new gardens come into being. A prime example of this would be Atlanta Botanical Garden, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary last week. From the 1990s thru today, the vast majority of public gardens across the U.S. have seen skyrocketing attendance, this propelled by cutting-edge horticulture, innovative programs, blockbuster events, and seasonal festivals. While Bellingrath did not fully benefit from that period of growth, as reflected by attendance levels under 100,000 in 2020, this trajectory has shifted significantly.. With the work we’ve done over the past five years, BGH is poised to reach for the proverbial golden ring now. My thinking is that BGH should have seen attendance numbers of 250,000 for quite a few years, and I feel that we have an achievable goal for the future is 350,000. So, … how can we get there?!

It’s called Marketing, y’all! Since I’ve been at BGH, we’ve doubled our marketing budget. We’ve expanded the department, led by Olivia Garrett, to two full-time employees. (Our second full-timer is Maria Lawrence, who creates all of our designs and layouts, among other things.) Around two years ago, we worked with Hummingbird Ideas to revamp our website, peeling off from the new brand we revealed in October 2023. We’ve invested in beautiful videography, including fantastic drone shots taken around the year and new “made-for-television” commercials, such as our elegant one that debuted in 2023. Today, we have a brand-new commercial created by Kris Skoda/Skoda Works that is just now starting to air on local channels. (Listen for BGH’s own Juanita Waites lovely voice-over.) Staying in the traditional advertising media realm, we continue to invest in three billboards located on I-10 (one near the Mississippi/Alabama line, another at the I-65/I-10 split) and Hwy. 90 at Bellingrath Road. We’re hearing good things about our new billboards and ask you to notice them when you next drive by. Lastly, we’ve invested hugely in our social media presence, with our Facebook followers growing from 65,000 in January 2025 to 85,000 in January 2026! Woot-woot, y’all!!

And so, y’all, where is this taking us? Well, in short, … forward. Bellingrath Gardens & Home, especially with current investments and future ones based on our Master Plan, becomes more compelling and relevant every day. New initiatives like our STEM Education Program, led by Felicia Henderson, reach youngsters every day. The quiet, but steady, stewardship of the Bellingrath Home by our stalwart Home Museum Director (and local legend), Tom McGehee, assures that we are correct in how we move forward within our history. The newly relaunched volunteer program, led by Jack Pruitt, is already

offering opportunities for folks to engage further, or to re-engage. Our rentals program, led by newly-hired Programs and Special Events Manager Lyn Acocella-Medina, shows everyone that we are a venue to be considered for life’s special moments. And the Horticulture program, led by Jeremy Schmidt, continues to shine as we revamp overgrown garden spaces while reimagining others, build world-class plant collections, and showcase strikingly beautiful designs for all to see. Join me in helping us to achieve more greatness going forward, and when you’re ready to support us with a special gift, please reach out to Dr. Cory Sparks, BGH’s Development Director, to find out how.

We’re here for you, and we’re moving forward while being anchored in our rich past.

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You Simply Just Can’t Resist…

On a recent walk in the Gardens with guests, I had the privilege of pointing out the tremendous contribution volunteers have made over this past year. Actually, it was an honor speaking of those who have done so very much.

Bellingrath welcomed youth groups, business organizations, students, teachers, Master Gardeners, Master Gardener Interns and so many others who have given unselfishly their invaluable time. To those volunteers, we sincerely thank you.

When you ask someone why they’re volunteering here at Bellingrath, it’s always interesting to hear the answer and be assured, there’s many. You might be told, “I enjoy gardening,” or “I love working with children.” You could also hear, “It’s a great team building opportunity” or simply “It’s so much fun.” Then there’s my favorite, “I just love this place!”

With so many things now happening at Bellingrath throughout the year there’s definitely an opportunity for you to lend a helping hand by volunteering. And even better, we work with your schedule and what you might best enjoy.

Along with a discount at the Gift Shop and Café on the day you volunteer and the ever-so-fashionable volunteer lanyard, there’s yet another benefit. That benefit is the opportunity to work side by side with a great group of dedicated and knowledgeable Bellingrath employees whom I’m certain you’ll enjoy. Trust me, they’re incredible.

Ok, I hope by now you’re convinced that volunteering at Bellingrath is an enjoyable and rewarding opportunity you simply just can’t resist. You can go directly to our website and complete and return the Volunteer Application or call (251) 873-1439.

No pressure….but we all do look forward to saying hello when you get here.

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A New Year with Gardens Abloom

Now that the clock has turned from 2025 to 2026, Bellingrath Gardens & Home finds itself, always anew, looking toward the next cycle of blooms and beauty. From the splendors of Magic Christmas in Lights, which celebrated yet another highly successful season that concluded on January 10, to the upcoming winter and spring blooms, we want to always encourage you, our members and supporters, to come visit us now during this “shoulder season” at BGH.

So, what’s the final report on our 30th season of Magic Christmas in Lights, you might ask? Well, it’s certainly been an interesting year, one filled with celebrations, hard work, and guests galore, but it’s also been one of challenges. In my six Magic Christmas seasons that I’ve now experienced, I can truly say that this one has been the most difficult. As a staff, we were afflicted with all sorts of bugs – from the common cold to this year’s widespread flu outbreak, to a host of other winter ailments. But, don’t worry, we’re not contagious! We just had to contend with a record number of staff callouts from work, and even yours truly was absent for five days. And, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of BGH’s dedicated staff, including our cadre of seasonal workers, all of whom dedicated a great many nights of their lives to host and put on this treasured event. On top of the many bouts of staff sicknesses, we also had a “present” that was delivered to us on December 17th via a drunk driver when his/her vehicle collided with a utility pole and knocked out power for us one evening during Magic Christmas in Lights, this causing us to have to disappoint expectant visitors and refund oodles of tickets. Alabama Power alone incurred thousands of dollars of damage to their infrastructure, and BGH lost at least $20,000 in income. We hope that the driver emerged from this wreck without permanent injuries, but we also lament his/her recklessness by driving while intoxicated. Alas, our lives are all intertwined, sometimes in bad ways.

On the positive side, Magic Christmas welcomed over 80,000 guests to Bellingrath this year! It’s far from a record, but it stands as the 7th or 8th most visited MCIL season in our 30 year history!! We’re not hanging our heads disappointed, y’all, but rather we are celebrating how you continue to faithfully support us in keeping Bellingrath Gardens & Home as a top tourist and seasonal destination, not only for Mobile, but rather for the entirety of Alabama and also for the Gulf Coast region. For next year, expect to find more exciting changes and improvements, another new scene (of course), and more of the unique and special excitement that is Magic Christmas in Lights!

Changing subjects entirely, Bellingrath Gardens & Home is excited in 2026 to introduce a new program that helps support our operations, while also allowing you to acknowledge special people and events in your lives – the “Blooming Bed Adoptions” program! Dr. Cory Sparks, BGH’s stalwart Director of Development, has worked over the past several months with our Horticulture team, led by Jeremy Schmidt, Director of Horticulture, to bring this program into existence. We already have 3 beds being sponsored, too! For $5,000, you can sponsor a seasonal planting bed for two years, commemorating a loved one or that special person, a mentor, or anyone who means something to you in your daily lives. For details as to how you can adopt a Blooming Bed, please reach out to Cory at [email protected] or via phone at (251) 873-1378. Stay tuned for pictures of these Blooming Beds, and those who are honoring not only their loved ones, but also Bellingrath, by sharing with us.

And with this, you should all be able to see that Bellingrath Gardens & Home continues to exist and grow as a vibrant cultural and historic venue and destination – a local icon that we as Mobilians and Gulf Coast residents can only imagine going forward as a thriving and vital nonprofit and community treasure. Thank you for all you do to promote and publicized Bellingrath and its many activities, and please come visit us. The camellias are beautiful, and it won’t be long before the azaleas will be popping!

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A Place Built From Memories

Bellingrath is built on memories, not just the memories of Mr. and Mrs. Bell and hunting and fishing guide Mr. Frank Woodard, but the memories of hundreds of thousands of visitors who have walked these grounds in the decades since we opened to the public. Memories of engagements, high school graduation pictures, s’mores at Magic Christmas in Lights, and so many other moments, large and small. The memories make up the place; they shape it.

My favorite part about working with our newly launched commemorative giving program is the opportunity to hear these stories, the way in which Bellingrath is meaningful to so many. It’s fitting that the first set of commemorative bricks will be placed in the Keyhole Garden behind the Summer House. The renovation of this historic structure is the first project in our recently unveiled Centennial Master Plan. It shows the quality of work we’ll do as we prepare the Historic Core for our next century.

We’ve lovingly restored the 19th century ironwork that the Bellingraths rescued from the Southern Hotel before it was torn down. Since that ironwork is aging and precious, we’re adding supports to bear the load of the roof. For their part, the new roof and timber frame ceiling reflect the elegance of the Bellingrath estate. After Magic Christmas, we’ll paint the ceiling and add a copper roof to mirror a similar roof on the Home. Then the structure will be ready for the next century.

Like so many home remodeling projects, the hard work at the Summer House made us realize that we needed to repair areas nearby that seemed out of place after the improvements. We love Winter Wonderland and the polar bears of Magic Christmas, but the Keyhole Garden requires some attention. It had been cut into the hillside, and the site should be regraded. We’ll retain the shape and have a blue stone path bordered by bricks, including the commemorative bricks. Annual blooms will bring a pop of color, as will the azaleas and camellias in the area.

In our master plan, the Keyhole Garden will return to its original role as the grand entryway to the Camellia Arboretum. Until Hurricane Frederic destroyed it, the arboretum, built as a memorial to Mr. Bellingrath, housed 800 varieties of camellias and some 2,000 plants. It was a signature garden for one of our core collections, and rebuilding it is a fitting way to honor Mr. Bell’s memory and prepare for our Centennial.

As Bellingrath moves into its next century, the commemorative bricks and memories of the past are leading us into the future, giving each of us an opportunity to make our mark on the Gardens that have touched our lives. If you’re interested in sharing the Bellingrath experience with future generations on the Gulf Coast, click on the link below for more information or to purchase a commemorative brick.

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Clearing a Path Forward

What is a gardener’s best tool to see into the future of the garden? Glad you asked. A gardener’s next horticultural steps will be driven by something between a whim and a goal, but our point of view is the most immediate catalyst for launching that directive towards action. From our point of view, we apply our imagination, experience, and plant passion based upon what we are literally seeing from where we are actually standing. So, when line of sight is obstructed through a space (albeit by established but “over-mature” garden plantings, or by an overgrown thicket of vines and brambles) our vision of what is possible is likewise shortsighted.

Edified by your numerous compliments about the ongoing improvement of our seasonal and perennial displays, we are also working tirelessly behind the scenes to add more beauty-filled vistas to your garden experience—revitalizing areas that have been lying fallow for decades. From where we stand, most of these locations are waaaaaaaaay overgrown; and we simply can’t see in. In order to move forward toward a goal or to act upon a gardening whim, we must first clear the way.

An area of dense overgrown woody weeds and vines. You’d never guess we are standing right behind Bellingrath’s rose garden!

 

Because there’s already an established Garden and there’s already a perfectly beautiful Home, clearing land at Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a more involved process than clearing land for, let’s saaaay, a parking lot. Some plants are sacrosanct; sometimes maneuverability is limited by buildings and power lines; and often we just have to take the time to scout for old garden infrastructure, like buried utilities.

How about our tools? We have at the ready a Caterpillar backhoe/loader (the star subject of previous blogs), a small Kubota utility tractor, small chainsaws, a pole chainsaw, pruning saw and loppers, strong ropes for pulling, strong chains for dragging, stump-killing herbicide. These tools allow us to clear woody obstructions large and small with adequate speed to feel that rush of instant gratification, with the precision necessary to avoid collateral damage when working tight quarters, and with permanence to prevent re-sprouting.

Plucking a 1’ diameter weed tree out of the ground like candy out of a dish is extremely satisfying, although in confined areas, it also feels great to see how much progress can be made in just two hours with a handsaw, loppers, and stump-killing herbicide. Thanks to wide service roads and tons of undeveloped space, wood and brush produced by the clearing can be easily be transported whole and piled up on Bellingrath’s back acres rather than cut into small pieces and hauled off property.

In 2025, we have reclaimed nearly three behind-the-scenes acres that had been left fallow for decades. Our line of sight has been restored! Greenbriar and water oak has been replaced by fresh ideas. In the interim, much of this space will be mowed for the first time in at least two decades. However, some reclaimed spaces are being planted immediately. Over the past year, we’ve added over 200 varieties trees, shrubs, and perennials to our permanent display beds. Oh, and get this—we’ve cleared about one quarter in the former Camellia Arboretum—and it’s on the schedule to be re-Camellia’d later this winter!

We’ve allocated over 100 Camellias to be planted into the cleared area, representing the first new Camellias to be added to the Camellia Arboretum in a half century. We anticipate this will be a big deal for us—maybe just too darn big for us to handle on our own. So, on Saturday February 28th at 10am, we will be inviting our members and the Camellia community at large to grab a shovel and help us begin replanting the famous Bellingrath Camellia Arboretum. Stay tuned to our website for the official announcement. In the meantime, we are installing an irrigation grid to cover this section and we are preparing the soil to make the planting easy-peasy-ish.

I forgot to mention another tool we are using to clear a path forward…the pen. The pen is mightier than the chainsaw…I think that’s how the old saying goes, but correct me if I’m misremembering. While we were behind the scenes clearing nearly three acres with a 16” Stihl chainsaw, Bellingrath was simultaneously clearing a path forward for the future of the Garden’s entire five-acre Historic Core. With the veil of existing constraints pulled back, we’ve been advancing our initial Master Plan level ideas to enhance the outdoor experience around the Bellingrath Home. We are moving boldly forward with drawings that inform the creation of new spaces and support the preservation of the historic estate into the 22nd century. I can’t get into too much detail (and I really, really, really want to!), but I can say we are past the point of ideating, so that our next round of drawings won’t be flowery—they will be specifically for the purpose of construction!

So much is happening at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. We are clearing a path forward; and there is something new and wonderful to see right in front of our eyes almost every day—with a line of sight to a world class future.

This stump (formerly anchoring an invasive Triadica sebifera aka Chinese tallow tree) has been treated with an herbicide specifically formulated and labeled to prevent this tree from ever re-sprouting.
Diesel-powered garden editing tool.
Raising the canopy to allow light in and to provide headspace for a future Camellia planting. This tree was also formerly covered in aggressive vines.
Reopened view to the bayou.

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A Special Anniversary

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the opening of the Bellingrath Home to the public. Walter Bellingrath had died the previous August and his foundation agreement specified that his home would be opened to the public after his death.

Starting in 1949, Walter Bellingrath had begun preparing his house for the changes. He hired Hancock House, a Memphis decorating firm to come in to assist him. They converted two early 19th century French bookcases into the porcelain display cabinets in the second floor hall. They had previously been in the basement.

It was also on this floor that a shallow closet at the entrance to the Purple Guest Room was converted to a glass shelved display case for porcelain doll heads, previously stored ignobly in the basement.

Furniture was shipped to Memphis for refinishing and reupholstering. Several pairs of large vases were drilled and converted into lamps. The firm sold Mr. Bellingrath the oversized Aubusson carpet for the dining room, making it impassible to guests ever since.

Hancock House sold Mr. Bellingrath the Meissen plateau or centerpiece which is actually too wide for the dining table. The Mayflower Vase on the stand in this room was also purchased by the decorators.

Edward Carl recalled the transformation of the Butler’s Pantry. Doors and drawers were removed and he fitted the glass panels in place to display the china and silver he had once taken care of while he had been a butler in the home. He became a tour guide along with Luther Harris when the doors opened to the public but later retired from a career at Brookley Field.

The Home Opens

Advertising of the opening did not begin until early January of 1956. Newspapers around the state announced the “Opening to the Public of the Bellingrath Home and the Bessie Morse Bellingrath Collection – One of America’s Finest Showings of Antiques, Silver and China.”

This would seem to explain why the guest register shows no visitors on January 1 and only 28 visitors on the 2nd. However, as the month progressed the pages of visitors for each day stretched to two or three.

In August it was announced that the Gardens would be open for free in observance of Mr. Bellingrath’s birthday. The Home however would require a purchased ticket for admission.

Newspapers around the state also reported that by August, “visitors from every state in the union as well as many foreign countries have visited the Bellingrath Home since it was opened to the public in January.”

Over the past 70 years, the Home has changed little but the visitor experience has. The crowds which were once attracted strictly to “Antiques, Silver and China” have dwindled. The focus today is the remarkable story of Bessie and Walter Bellingrath and how their love for each other converted a rustic fishing camp into one of the country’s most unique garden estates. Once that story is told there is ample time to view those antiques.

Ernest Edgar, III (1936-2025)

We sadly note the loss of Ernest Edgar, III on August, 26, 2025 in Auburn, Ala.  His grandfather, Ernest, Sr. married Mrs. Bellingrath’s younger sister Daisy Morse back in 1905. Ernest, Jr. arrived a year later.

Bessie and Daisy were particularly close, perhaps since they were less than two years apart in age. Walter and Bessie married in November of 1906 and eventually both families resided on Ann Street in Mobile.

Young Ernest, Jr. spent much time with his aunt and uncle and he and his good friend Gus Meaher were with Walter Bellingrath at Belle Camp on New Year’s Day, 1919, which he often spoke about. Ernest, Jr. was present when the camp was overrun with curious visitors in 1932 and later assisted in manning the gate when an entrance fee was put in place.

In November of that year, Ernest Edgar, Jr. married Amelia Lyon Moore of Mobile. And two years later that young couple accompanied the Bellingraths on their cross country trek to Canada, the west coast and the south west with Ernest at the wheel. It was Amelia who kept a detailed diary of the trip and later typed it up and presented it to the Bellingraths as a Christmas gift.

Another Gift

On January 15, 1936, Ernest Edgar, III arrived. He and his parents were frequent guests in the Bellingrath Home, occupying the Purple Guest Room. The trundle bed was reserved for him.

He was particularly fond of one of the Bellingrath’s young butlers, Edward Carl. The youngster had trouble saying Edward, and called him Bub. That was a nickname Edward recalled fondly and he had warm memories of roaming the Gardens with the little boy.

Ernest, III or Duke as he was then known, spent a great deal of time in the kitchen with Edward and Luther Harris. As the little boy began to talk, they discovered that he would repeat almost anything they said to him. Their language grew saltier and Duke kept on parroting them to their delight.

A couple of days later the lunch table on the Riverside Dining Porch was filled with family and friends with Duke in his high chair. During a sudden lull in the conversation Duke clearly asked “Would someone pass the damn butter?”

Amelia Edgar was nearly speechless and stammered “Where on earth did you learn that??” Her grinning son responded, “Bub.”

Walter Bellingrath left the table and told the two culprits in the pantry that the boy would learn those words on his own in due time and did not need further prompting. And what was Bessie Morse Bellingrath’s response? She was heartily laughing.

An Airplane in the Dining Room

At about this time Ernest Jr. walked in the front door and looked into the Dining Room where he saw Duke circling the banquet table with a sterling silver peacock held aloft and making airplane sounds. His first thought was to look for his aunt Bessie. Since there was no sign of her he quietly walked to the doorway and said quietly to his son “Put that down carefully. You know not to touch Aunt Bessie’s pretty things!”

As he walked into the room, his mother and aunt were sitting in chairs to his right, previously out of sight. “That’s alright Ernest,” his aunt said. “I told him he could play with it. If he breaks it he breaks it. Don’t worry about it.” And with that Duke went back to his imaginary play with a silver bird.

The nickname of Duke was eventually dropped and Ernest graduated from University Military School in 1954 and Virginia Military Institute in 1958. In June of 1964 he married Elizabeth Brown and a 34 year military career followed. He achieved the rank of Major General in the U.S. Corps of Engineers and after retirement moved to Auburn where he enjoyed his garden filled with seasonal flowers and shrubs.

This January 15 would have been the 100th birthday of this special and memorable member of the Bellingrath-Morse family. His childhood antics remain alive today when retold by the tour guides of the Bellingrath Home and always bring a smile to our visitors.

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A Fellowship of Azaleas

Azaleas captivated Bessie Bellingrath like no other plant. They were her favorite flower, and she collected as many as she could and displayed them for as many people as she could. Following in Bessie’s footsteps, we want to welcome you into the gardens with a stunning array of evergreen and deciduous azaleas soon after you walk through the doors.

But there’s more to this story! You’ve seen the horticultural renovations taking place all over the gardens. We’ve aggressively removed weedy trees competing with the beautiful Bellingrath canopy. Over-mature shrubs are being cut back or removed to reset or re-imagine the countless “million-dollar vistas” throughout the gardens. We’ve been piling up thousands of cubic yards of compost behind the scenes. We’ve stuffed our nursery to gills with thousands of new plants waiting to feel Bellingrath soil for the first time. Our 25-year-old irrigation system is being retrofitted so that water goes where it needs to go, when it needs to go there, and consistently in the amount needed (a welcome change by the gardens and gardeners alike).

All this rejuvenation is realigning us with the Bellingrath Gardens’ legacy of beauty. After cutting down a 20-year old, 20” caliper seedling water oak; and after removing deeply entrenched briars; and after cutting back or removing overgrown and weedy shrubs; and after selectively trimming the mature “pre-Hurricane Frederick” canopy; and after adding over 50 cubic yards of Bellingrath-made compost; and after retrofitting the irrigation system to provide expanded coverage, we were finally ready to close the project with a most important step in celebrating “Bessie Bellingrath’s artistry and genius”: the planting!

And here’s the best part…our members and their families did all the planting! On a Saturday morning in November, more than a dozen of Bellingrath’s closest friends came from as far as Louisiana to introduce 10 new Azalea varieties (about 70 plants) to Walter and Bessie’s rich garden soil for the first time. We are so thankful for the support of our members—we feel it! As a member, your support truly makes a difference. And we hope this planting not only honors the Bellingrath legacy, but also serves as a tangible example of the very real impact our membership family has in the garden. We are excited for our guests to experience our growing azalea core collection; and with dirt under our fingernails, we can share a certain pride with our members in watching our garden grow more beautiful each year.

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