Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile Alabama is One of the Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the World

I moved to Mobile from New York City 14 years ago. I had visited Central Park and Prospect Park and the New York Botanical Gardens many times. The beauty of flowers has always been something I find particularly soothing and truly amazing. I never imagined when I moved down south that I would ever see anything as beautiful as Bellingrath Gardens.

A short history

Walter Duncan Bellingrath made his fortune by being the most successful Coca-Cola bottler in the south in 1903. In 1906 he married the love of his life, Bessie Mae Morse, who had been his secretary. Though they never had children her flowers were her babies and she raised them and cherished them all through her life.

The couple purchased 65 acres of property in Theodore Alabama along Fowl River as a respite for Duncan and he used it as a fishing camp for many years. Eventually, when Bessie ran out of room to plant her flowers at her home, she began planting gardens on the site.

But the magic began in 1927 when Bessie hired architect George B. Rogers to assist her in the creation of her floral wonderland. Flowers were gathered from around the world. Fountains and waterfalls, winding pathways and English flagstone walkways were put in place.

In 1932 the gardens were open to the public for a few hours. Over 5000 people waited to enter. The overwhelming response led to the year-round opening of the gardens 2 years later. They then built a 10,000 square foot home on the property to be able to oversee the activity. Today one of the attractions on the property is a tour of the home which is of English Renaissance style. Later an adjoining guest house, a garage and a chapel were added.

Today, every inch of Bellingrath is special and amazing.

The Gardens are divided into 11 unique areas of special interest so no matter what time of year there is always something in bloom. The areas are-
The Bellingrath Rose Garden - when in bloom this sea of roses will take your breath away.
The Conservatory
The Butterfly Garden- special flowers have been planted here to attract all kinds of colorful, fun, fluttering beauties.
The Great Lawn
Fountain Plaza
The Terrace
The Grotto/Waterfront
The Rockery
Bayou Boardwalk
Mirror Lake

The Asian American Garden - a Zen fantasy in the Deep South. I've gone there and sat with a book for hours, transported to the orient without ever leaving Mobile.

A winding path has been created that allows you to stroll at you own pace to enjoy the beauty and serenity of your surroundings.

But that's only the beginning

In 1967 the Guest House and 6 car garage were enclosed to provide space for the largest display of Boehm Porcelain in the United States, which includes a copy of the porcelain crucifix given to the Vatican in 1959.

Several types of vessels leave from the Bellingrath docks including the Southern Belle which holds up to 150 people and cruises visitor around Fowl River and the Kingfisher which gives smaller groups a chance to get a closer look at the local wildlife.

You will always see brides coming to the gardens for their wedding photos and some even choose to rent the gardens for their ceremony.

But the ultimate experience at Bellingrath comes at Christmas when over 3 million lights and 900 displays turn the gardens into an experience that will never be forgotten.

So if your wanderlust takes you in the direction of Mobile Alabama make sure you find your way to Bellingrath Gardens. No matter where in the world you have travel or what marvels you have seen a trip to Bellingrath will rank right up there with your most memorable life experiences.

http://www.bellingrath.org