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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.