We’ve seen some beautiful gardens over the years—Gibbs Gardens and Callaway Gardens in Georgia and Fioli Gardens in the San Francisco Bay Area, but now we add Bellingrath gardens to our short list. The azaleas were in full bloom, the tulips were out, and the trees were budding. All we missing were dogwood trees since we’re in the South, but maybe we’re too far south. We spent hours walking the grounds and touring the home. What a wonderful afternoon.
Mr. Bellingrath was one of the first bottlers in the southeast for Coca Cola, opening his plant in Mobile.
In 1917 his doctor recommended a get-away for him so he could learn how to relax and get away from the pressures. He and his wife bought this property as a fishing camp, and she transplanted some of her mature azaleas from her Mobile home to make the area welcoming and beautiful. In 1927 she began working with architect George B. Rogers to build their home and transform the property into their gardens. They salvaged bricks, iron works, and flag stones from buildings and streets being demolished and used them to create the beauty of the house.
They opened their gardens to the public for the first time in April 1932, and over 4000 people came that Sunday to view the gardens. The home was completed in 1935 (during the height of the depression, no less).
Mrs. Bellingrath passed away in the 1940s, and Mr. Bellingrath lived until the mid-1950s. Five years before his death, since they hadn’t had children, he transferred the home and the gardens to a foundation so it could be preserved intact for generations, as well as support numerous colleges and family churches. We are so fortunate for this decision!
First we’ll start with pictures of the gardens.
Now for the pictures of the house.
Our docent told us that Mrs. Bellingrath would hear of neighbors going through a hard time during the depression and wanting to sell furniture so they could eat. She would buy the furniture and then leave without taking it with her.
The Docent told us that Mrs. Bellingrath would store extra sets and rotate them in from time to time.
Mr. Bellingrath won from Coca Cola
and 4 guest rooms on the second floor.
