By Cory Sparks
Director of Development

Last week, Barbara Smith, our Display Horticulture Gardener, and I were walking into the Admissions Building when she pointed to the bed of tulips in front. “I saw this design with daisies when I was traveling in England. There was a beautiful bed in Chelsea that was planted like this.” Staring at the bed for a moment, she said, “You may have been wondering about the yellow tulips in all of this pink. They were a surprise! Not the color I was expecting.”

As we were talking, some visitors from Michigan walked past, and we explained a bit about the planting. The story reminded one of the women of her tulip tour of the Netherlands when she went to the famed Keukenhof garden. Within seconds, we had connected gardens in three countries and two states, giving me a deeper understanding of the beauty I get to experience each workday at Bellingrath.

A tour of English gardens inspired the Bellingraths to create these Gardens. Barbara, Jeremy Schmidt, our Director of Horticulture, and our other gardeners continue to search the globe for designs and plants that might add to the beauty of the grounds. Sometimes, the plants are Alabama-grown. In his column for this issue, Todd Lasseigne talks about a trip he and members of our horticulture staff recently took to collect homegrown trillium to plant at Bellingrath.

Our gardens serve as a living, ever-evolving memorial to Mrs. Bellingrath, and they’re world-class, as shown by being named one of twelve ‘Gardens of the World Worth Travelling For in 2024’. We’re eager to share the gardens and our love of gardening with our members and the public. As part of this work, we’re exploring the idea of launching garden tours – opportunities to learn about our plants and the design and planting process. I’m confident Mr. and Mrs. Bellingrath would enjoy the tour. Would you? Let me know!

Visit and Connect with Us

• Check out our upcoming Spring Plant Sale to awaken your garden!
• Share your thoughts on this new venture with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using the hashtag #BellingrathGardens. 

By Tom McGehee
Museum Home Director

In 1820 King George IV asked his silversmiths in Birmingham, England to create a device to make the service of wine at his dinners more efficient.  The solution was the Wine Trolley, a device allowing two bottles of wine to be passed straight down the table top rather than waiting on a servant with a single bottle in hand.

The Wine Trolley was created using two coasters.  The original purpose of these was to hold a single bottle of wine or port and prevent the contents from spilling on the tablecloth.  They were also dubbed “sliders” as their bases were covered with felt making them easy to slide down a polished wooden surface.  George Washington asked the Marquis de Lafayette to obtain “eight sliders” for him in France.

In the Bellingrath Collection is a Wine Trolley on four wheels with a handle to pull it down the table.  Its design incorporates a favorite device for wine-related objects: grapes and grape leaves.  It bears the makers mark for Elkington and Company of Birmingham and has the date mark for 1863.

The Wine Trolley joins a number of silver wine related objects on display on the first floor of the Bellingrath Home which includes decanter stands, wine coolers and a pair of coasters.

Visit and Connect with Us

• Tour the Bellingrath Home
• Learn more about our collections
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates.
• Share your experience with #BellingrathHistory

By Cassidy Smith, Marketing and PR Manager

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is undoubtedly in the air. What better way to celebrate the month of love than by exploring the enchanting beauty of Bellingrath Gardens & Home? Nestled in the heart of nature, Bellingrath offers couples a magical escape to a world where flowers bloom with passion and historic charm complements the romance of the season. Here are six date ideas that you and your loved one will adore at Bellingrath Gardens & Home.

1. Take a Class Together

Whether you’re planning a unique couple’s activity, seeking a fun day out with friends, or embarking on a solo adventure, our array of hands-on workshops offers something for everyone. Dive into the art of crafting Glass Resin Roses or discover the secrets to nurturing your rose garden to perfection. With laughter and learning guaranteed, these engaging sessions are the perfect way to enhance your visit. Ready to create, care, and captivate? Explore our upcoming classes and workshops today – simply click here to find your perfect match!

2. A Stroll Through the Gardens

Embrace serenity together on the Great Lawn, where the whisper of the breeze and the soft rustle of leaves create a symphony of natural tranquility. Meander hand-in-hand by the reflective waters of Mirror Lake, letting the calming surroundings deepen your connection. Wander through the seasonal gardens, letting the vibrant Camellias infuse a splash of passionate color into your romantic journey. Lastly, find peace in the elegant simplicity of the Japanese Garden, a harmonious retreat where every step brings you closer together.

3. Step Back in Time with Love

Explore the Bellingrath Home, steeped in timeless grace, and let your minds wander through the love stories whispered by its historic walls. Revel in the charm of the home’s collection of pristine antiques and the stunning architectural details that offer an idyllic setting for a day imbued with romance.

4. Capture Memories with a Photo Session

Pack your camera or enlist the talents of a professional photographer for a romantic duo or Galentine’s-themed photo session. Let Bellingrath Gardens be the canvas for creating and capturing beautiful, enduring memories. Post your cherished moments online with the hashtag #LoveAtBellingrath.

5. Buy a New Plant

Seize the opportunity to acquire an exquisite botanical treasure at the Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 45th Annual Orchid Show & Sale, or find the perfect addition to your garden during our Spring Plant Sale, happening March 8-10.

6. Attend a Seasonal Festival or Event

Bellingrath Gardens & Home buzzes with vibrant events all year round, offering an eclectic mix of festivities. Whether you’re here to revel in the Spring Azalea Bloom Out or to sip and savor at our Annual Beers & Blooms craft beer festival, every visit promises a unique experience. Immerse yourself in a celebration of live music, stunning floral displays, gourmet delights, and artisanal crafts. Check out our full calendar of upcoming events here.

Bellingrath Gardens & Home is not just a place; it’s an experience that nurtures love and creates lasting memories. This Valentine’s Day, invite your significant other or best friend to a world of floral fantasy and historic charm. It’s a date that promises romance, beauty, and moments that will be treasured forever.

By Tom McGehee
Museum Home Director

No visitor to the Bellingrath Home can leave without feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the vast array of silver on display. There is an assortment of American, English, and French pieces, including objects of (nearly) pure silver as well as silver plate.

English Hallmarked:

The oldest items in the silver display were crafted in England in the 18th century and bear three hallmarks. The system of English hallmarks dates back to 1363 and guarantees the purity of the silver, making it the oldest form of consumer safety in England. The three marks include one to identify the maker, a letter indicating the production date, and a third symbol known as the standard mark, ensuring the piece is no less than 92.5% pure silver. Hallmarked items in the Bellingrath Collection span from the 18th to the early 20th century.

Sheffield Plate:

A process where copper sheets were rolled between and fused with silver films dates as early as 1742 in Sheffield, England. By the end of the century, Matthew Boulton found ways to produce candlesticks, coffee pots, tea pots, etc., using ribbons of solid silver at the rims and edges where wear would have been the worst. The Bellingrath Collection features early entrée dishes, wine coolers, and epergnes dating to the early 19th century.

EPNS (Electro-plated Nickel Silver or Copper):

In 1840, a patented process used an electric current to coat copper or Nickel Silver wares with a layer of silver. This was a less expensive process than the Sheffield method, and by 1852, only one workshop in Sheffield continued producing the earlier version. The Bellingrath Collection includes both English and American versions.

French Silver:

Similar to England, France required a hallmarking system ensuring the silver’s purity. One outstanding piece in the Bellingrath Collection is the soup tureen on a stand, created to celebrate the completion of the 107-mile-long Suez Canal in 1869.

American Coin Silver:

Before significant silver mines were discovered in the U.S., silversmiths often obtained silver by melting down coins with varying silver content. The purity level was typically 900 parts silver to 100 parts copper. Notable examples in the collection include an ornate compote and water pitcher.

Sterling Silver:

After the Civil War, American coins were uniformly made of 92.5% pure silver, and the mark “Sterling” was introduced. Tiffany & Co. was the first firm to use this mark, and the Bellingrath Collection features numerous examples of sterling silver, from flatware to various serving pieces.

To delve deeper into the subject of silver and learn about its care, join Tom McGehee on Wednesday, February 21, at 10:30 AM at Bellingrath Gardens.

By Cory Sparks
Director of Development

On one of my initial days at Bellingrath, I was strolling toward the mermaid fountain when sunlight broke through the clouds. Someone had just texted to inquire about how my new job was going. I responded with a photo of the dazzling fountain. “Incredible,” my friend replied, “It must be amazing to be surrounded by that beauty at work.”

Indeed, it is amazing to be surrounded by Bellingrath’s beauty and elegance. The staff works long hours to create a special place for visitors. A few minutes before encountering the mermaid, I had marveled at the number of bulbs my colleagues were planting around the Great Lawn. “That’s only the beginning,” they said, “There are thousands of them!” It’s a privilege to play my own role in ensuring this beauty continues, partnering with members and other donors to invest in an almost century-long legacy.

At Bellingrath, the staff and supporters, both past and present, provide visitors with opportunities to connect with and learn about the natural world, hear stories about our founders and their historic estate, and be inspired by design, art, architecture, and gardening. Bellingrath is a place to share with friends and family as we stroll the grounds on a spring day or celebrate special events like Magic Christmas in Lights.

I would love to hear your stories about Bellingrath and why it’s important to you and those close to you. I would also like to know what you envision for its future. Together, we are stewards of a legacy left by Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. Together, we will ensure this beauty and elegance continue into the next century, inspiring future generations.

By Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne
Executive Director

Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in the 2024 Gulf States Horticultural Expo, the 25th-anniversary gathering of green industry professionals and allied trades at the convention center in downtown Mobile. From delivering a presentation highlighting plants we’ve been trialing at Bellingrath Gardens & Home during my three-plus years there to spending a day manning our booth at the trade show and exploring the floor, I feel rejuvenated and invigorated.

Nursery trade shows often take place in winter, providing a moment of relative rest before the hustle and bustle of spring while fostering anticipation for the upcoming season. Listening to people share stories of their past visits to Bellingrath, some from their childhood, was both exhilarating and poignant. It was exciting to hear the cherished memories of those who had visited Bellingrath many years or even decades ago. However, it was also disheartening to learn that many of these individuals hadn’t returned in a significant amount of time.

This emotional contrast raises numerous questions, reminiscent of a similar experience I had when relocating to Mobile from Tulsa, Oklahoma in late August 2020. Upon a rock cracking my windshield, the cashier at the windshield replacement center expressed surprise that Bellingrath was still open. This encounter underscored the challenge of maintaining awareness and engagement over time.

What motivates people to visit places like Bellingrath Gardens & Home repeatedly? This is a question constantly faced by the public garden world, the historic home sector, and the museum domain. We grapple with how to sustain public interest without relying on fleeting trends or gimmicks, preserving our mission while remaining relevant, and connecting our mission to the contemporary world.

Looking back, it’s evident that Mr. Bellingrath recognized decades ago the need for continuous marketing of the gardens. He advertised in distant cities like Chicago, Houston, and along the East Coast, using catchy phrases such as “The Charm Spot of the Deep South” to attract visitors. His dedication to promoting the Gardens endured until his final days, emphasizing its role as a lasting memorial to his late wife’s artistry.

Since becoming the executive director of Bellingrath Gardens & Home, I’ve felt optimistic about our future. I am particularly bullish about what lies ahead. This sentiment is shared by the many faces seen at the Gulf States trade show over the past two days, mirroring the optimism that often accompanies the approach of the end of winter.

I encourage you to visit us today, not tomorrow or solely during the holiday season. Experience the spectacle right here in southern Mobile County—a special place recognized as “worth traveling to” by international garden travel leaders. If it’s worth traveling to from afar, it’s undoubtedly worth visiting when it’s just a few miles down the road.

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.