I realized this morning, that throughout my life, I have spent more than half of my daylight hours in a garden somewhere! During all those cumulative years, I have enjoyed a multitude of beautiful flowers. And of all those flowers, the sweet olive is…well…nowhere near the top of the list.
The fall-borne flowers are rather non-descript and hard to see unless you’re somewhat close. The large evergreen shrub is also not exceptionally attractive on its own. It’s branching structure doesn’t age well compared to let’s say: a Japanese maple or a Loquat. Based on looks alone, Osmanthus fragrans is a decent screening plant for the back of the border (and that’s how it is generally used in southern gardens across the United States).
But here comes the fun part…sweet olive flowers are among the most powerfully fragrant flowers on earth (at least among pleasant-smelling flowers). I believe nearly anyone who has smelled Osmanthus fragrans permanently remembers the citrus-gardenia-esque smell. Think about that for a moment…although our minds are always recording, how much of what we sense is actually committed to memory? I am saying that while we probably forget more experiences than we remember in life, the saturated, thickly sweet smell of sweet olive will be remembered, along with everything else associated with that moment. A time portal has opened at Bellingrath Gardens & Home: memories activated by air filled with sweet olive scent transports us to where and when we first experienced it. Time travel powered by Osmanthus fragrans…that’s one of Bellingrath’s many garden superpowers!
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!
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.
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 28th 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 savethedate 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 13th – 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!
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.
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.
One of my two major professors back in my NC State University days, Dr. Stu Warren, was fond of saying “Progress is being made” whenever I’d go and update him on my dissertation research projects. That was a nice way of encouraging me to keep plodding along with the seemingly never-ending task of completing a doctoral research program and dissertation. Stu was an inspiration, and a great Ph.D. advisor.
Here at Bellingrath, the same can be said – Progress is being made. It is sometimes slower than desired. It oftentimes comes with unexpected obstacles on the path. It sometimes seems like a set of tasks that will never be completed. The extreme (record) heat of August didn’t help, either, right?!
With the recent hiring of Jeremy Schmidt as our new Director of Horticulture, Bellingrath finds itself ready to move to the proverbial next level. We are talking about our soils. We are talking about stones. (Jeremy is an expert in a new style of building rock gardens called “crevice gardens.”) Of course, too, we are talking about plants! We are talking about equipment, staff, the need for additional staffing, infrastructure, facilities, etc.
We plan on continuing to capitalize on the improvements that we have made over the past three years – new equipment, renovated garden spaces, new plantings, our new brand – and we ask you to just keeping enjoying the show and supporting us in the path ahead!
For over 90 years a large cast iron Lion has lived in Bellingrath Gardens. He is always popular with children who enjoy climbing up on his back and no doubt thousands of photographs have been snapped of that scene.
He originally stood in the front yard of Caroline Purvis Marshall (1848-1941) who resided in a handsome home, which still stands at 952 Government Street. Her late husband, John H. Marshall, had been a partner in a wholesale grocery and liquor business with John Bradford Davis.
A nearly identical lion came up for sale a few years ago and was described as having been cast for display at the Philadelphia Centennial celebration of 1876. The maker was Robert Wood & Co., also of Philadelphia. His firm was advertising in Mobile as early as 1852 when a newspaper advertisement offered “Iron railings, Statuary, Greyhounds, Lions, Hat Stands, Tables and Settees.”
A pencil sketch of the Lion by architect George B. Rogers is in the archives of Bellingrath Gardens and Home. It is dated 1931 and so is safe to assume he has resided with us ever since. Before his placement on his own terrace on the west side of Mirror Lake the Lion had stood among the plantings above the Rockery.
Mobile city directories show the Marshalls as residing on Government Street as early as 1877, and no one knows if the lion was there when they moved in or was a later addition. Judge Herndon Inge grew up on that block and recalled the lion as a favorite for neighborhood children. Some things never change.
New ground cloth has been installed next to the greenhouses.
By Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne
Executive Director
To me, one of the joys of visitors coming out to Bellingrath Gardens and Home is that they get to see both the Gardens and the Home as working entities, albeit in differing capacities. From Tom McGehee’s cadre of Home Guides who tell the stories of Walter and Bessie in their home, visitors can feel the “lived experiences” of the Home. In a related capacity, the Horticulture, Maintenance, and Turf & Irrigation staff are hard at work during the weekdays, delivering to our visitors the experience of a “working garden.”
Cleaning the fountains is one of our never-ending tasks.
We are neither the perfect, anesthetized experience of a theme park where all of the dirty work happens after closing time, nor are we an institution that only opens four or five days a week so that major projects can be performed while visitors are not present. Beyond this, of course, are our Café, Visitor Services, and Gift Shop staffs, all of whom work hard to make visitors as comfortable and happy as possible.
All of these facets of BGH conspire to create a never-ending to-do list, the mother of all to-do lists, you could say. Gardens, you may know, are the slowest of the performing arts, and they are never finished, after all. Historic homes, likewise, aren’t known for their lack of maintenance and attention to detail. Since the turn of the New Year, staff at BGH have welcomed thousands of guests, while also working on a great many projects, big and small. From an initial list now numbering over 500 tasks, some 233 of these have been completed. The list never stops growing, of course, just as with our plants.
From the mundane to the major, here are some examples of things we have accomplished. Although we’re happy for you to notice these items, in some ways we feel even better if you didn’t notice them!
1) In early January, we sprayed some of our Dianella (variegated flax-lily) plants with dormant oil because of a scale infestation. Had I just waited to send the work request until late February, the 22° freeze would have taken care of the scale infestation even more quickly because the Dianella foliage was frozen dead and had to be cut back and thrown in the compost pile. Oh well. You win some, you lose some.
Three weeping yaupons were moved from the Admissions Building and replanted on Bellingrath Road.
2) Even today, we’ll still find an occasional hanging branch or two left over from Hurricane Sally. In early January, I saw one stuck in a branch crotch of a live oak and asked a staff member to climb up a ladder to get it. Within an hour, a nice gust of wind had blown it to the ground, negating the need for the ladder. I guess I should’ve been more patient, lol!
3) In early January, we decided to cut down five 20’-tall ‘Savannah’ hollies (two of which were struggling due to lack of light) because Chuck Owens and I noticed that a beautiful large Ginkgo tree behind the hollies was hidden. We were able to remove the hollies by late March, and now the Ginkgo can be viewed and enjoyed.
4) In early February, we had a contractor spade out three large weeping yaupon trees from the front side of the Admissions Building to transplant them to our entrance sign on Bellingrath Road. Two are doing well, but the third specimen is looking rough. We’re in a “wait-and-see” mode on this.
We now have two new fire pits for Magic Christmas in Lights. They were created from an old, unused propane tank.
5) In midwinter, I noticed an old, unused propane tank that was located behind our security building. At first, I thought to have it removed and sent to a metal recycler. However, quick thinking from a couple of staff members resulted in us finding a metalsmith who was able to cut it in half and fashion two new fire pits. You’ll see these at this year’s Magic Christmas in Lights!
6) In early January, I decided that we should relocate the picnic tables on the west side of our parking lot to a new location on the east end of the Great Lawn. This idea came up while we were planning “Beers and Blooms.” Today, these tables are used by our visitors, and we are happy to see visitors traversing the Great Lawn and see the gardens from another angle.
7) Bellingrath appears to have cornered the market on the world’s supply of the green-foliaged version of Aspidistra (cast-iron plant). We decided to remove a patch of it surrounding a sweet gum tree on the back terrace of the Boehm Gallery. Instead of more Aspidistra, visitors can now see more flowers. And who doesn’t want to see more flowers?
8) Our Coca-Cola machines were acting up, sometimes taking people’s coins without dispensing product (how dare they?!), and as such we called and arranged to get new machines, complete with credit card readers, last month. Whoop, whoop!
The sweet gum tree behind the Boehm Gallery is now surrounded with new plantings.
9) Hurricane Sally did quite a number on the ground cloth on our nursery pads where we grow our chrysanthemums and other plants. Chuck worked with our Greenhouse staff to tack down the old cloth, rip out the weeds coming up through the cracks, and install brand-new ground cloth on top. Voila!
10) The three ceiling fans in the Atrium (the small conservatory attached to the Gift Shop) had seen better days such that two were not working in February. Ralph Drury and his Maintenance Department staff procured new fans, and by mid-April installed them such that we now have properly functioning ceiling fans in this area.
Everyone has to-do lists in their lives, gardens, homes, businesses, churches, places where they volunteer, etc. We have ours, too, and it feels great to check them off the list individually virtually every day of the work week! Come and visit us, friends and supporters, and come see the fruits of our daily labors in bringing Bellingrath Gardens and Home to you.
In the 1920s and 1930s, when Bessie Bellingrath wanted to beautify the Fowl River property that we know today as Bellingrath Gardens and Home, she knew that two plants were essential to add color and beauty – azaleas and camellias. She preferred larger, established specimens, and she and her architect, George B. Rogers, found them all over the southeast and had them delivered to the property.
Everyone loves azaleas, but camellias, which are so well-suited to Southern gardens, are sometimes overlooked in the modern-day landscaping world. That’s a shame, because these lovely plants are cold-hardy in our region, nicely shaped and require very little maintenance once they’re established. They can live for many years. Camellias are also versatile; they can be used as hedges, as garden accents, and in containers. Here on the Gulf Coast, many specimens bloom for months at a time. At Bellingrath, we enjoy blooms from a variety of sasanquas and japonicas from November to April.
If you’d like to add camellias to your garden, here are some good resources for finding tried and true varieties:
Laura Kay’s Nursery & Florist, 5600 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL 36609. Phone: (251) 666-1510.
Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile, AL 36608. (Sales are seasonal.) Phone: (251) 342-0555.
Stokley Garden Express, 1451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604. Phone: (251) 461-6434.
Old Tyme Feed and Garden Supply, 19580 S. Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532. Phone: (251) 928-1156. Website: https://www.oldtymefeed.com/
It’s essential to plant it with the root ball slightly higher than ground level, to make sure that the roots will have good drainage.
Water it regularly for the first year, and give it a good soaking whenever the soil seems overly dry.
The best time to plant camellias is either in the spring, or in late fall and early winter.
Camellias do best in dappled sunlight, under a canopy of tall trees.
Newly planted or transplanted camellias should only be lightly fertilized during the first year. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, or cottonseed meal.
Add fresh mulch in spring and fall, but not too close to the stems or trunk.
Avoid planting a camellia too close to trees with aggressive surface roots, such as magnolias, oaks and crape myrtles; their roots can invade the camellia’s root zone.
Camellias don’t require frequent pruning, and you should especially avoid pruning after spring, or you’ll likely remove next year’s buds.
Trouble-shooting:
Wilted or discolored leaves: This may indicate a root problem. The roots may be too dry, or overly waterlogged, or may have come in contact with a toxic chemical.
Stunted growth: Have the soil tested to find out if there is an imbalance in the soil minerals or pH level, which may limit the roots’ ability to absorb nutrients for growth.
Disease control: If the foliage wilts in one part of the plant, the cause may be a fungal disease known as “die back.” Try to remove all of the infected wood to prevent it from spreading throughout the entire plant, and treat cut surfaces with a fungicide. Put the infected wood in a plastic bag and discard it to keep the fungal spores from spreading in your garden. Clean your pruning shears with 10% bleach solution between each cut.
The Bellingrath Camellia Legacy
We know that Walter Bellingrath was a camellia aficionado. In a 1947 article, Mr. Bellingrath wrote, “The wonderful forms and colors of Camellia japonica have no equal in the plant world for their beauty and fitness for general landscape work.” He noted that Bellingrath Gardens had more than 2,000 mature specimens of Camellia japonica, which he described as “undoubtedly one of the finest collections of specimen plants to be found anywhere. Over 400 varieties are embraced in this collection.”
After Mrs. Bellingrath died in 1943, Mr. Bellingrath continued their plans for their beloved Gardens until his own death in 1955. His favorite flower was showcased in the Camellia Parterre, which featured 100 specimen plants and was staffed by employees whose job was to remove all spent blooms daily and who were trained to personally identify each variety for visitors, because Mr. Bellingrath disliked the idea of signs marring the natural scene.
The Camellia Arboretum in 1964.
Mr. Bellingrath died two days after his 86th birthday, on August 8, 1955. In the later years of his life, he had often expressed a desire for more and more camellia varieties. After his death, some of his friends had the idea to honor his memory by adding a new camellia arboretum adjoining the original Gardens.
They selected a seven-acre wooded area with good pine tree cover, in the area on the side of Mirror Lake behind the Summer House. In 1957-58, the site was planted with 400 field-grown specimens ranging in age from 5 to 10 years. The gardeners also planted 400 grafting stocks of ‘Professor Sargent’; our guests will notice numerous specimens of this variety at Bellingrath today.
The arboretum eventually featured 1,200 plants of about 900 varieties, situated along grass-covered trails, which were over-seeded with rye grass in winter. Unfortunately, in 1979, the entire garden suffered a direct hit from Hurricane Frederic. The combination of high winds and falling trees wiped out hundreds of camellias and azaleas, including the arboretum. The gardens were closed for six months during the clean-up, which required extensive replanting and rearranging. Many of the arboretum’s prized camellias were salvaged and moved into the main garden. The old ones that survived were nursed back to health by the Gardens’ late manager, Pat Ryan, a leader in the camellia world.
Sources: Camellia Garden Field Guide, Third Edition, by Forrest S. Latta and Brenda C. Litchfield; Bellingrath Gardens and Home archives; The Camellia Club of Mobile
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The Bellingrath Camellia Legacy