Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Bellingrath Gardens

Sunday, August 14, 2016

The rains have finally ended and we are still in Mobile waiting to have some fiberglass work done on the boat. 

Today we took the opportunity to tour Bellingrath Gardens before the heat returns.
The Gardens and home were built as the weekend, then retirement, home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath in the 1930s.  Walter was the first owner of the Coca Cola bottling franchise for southern Alabama.
Always an avid gardener, Bessie oversaw the establishment of the gardens.  First opened to the public in 1932 just for the spring blooming season (lots of azaleas),  the gardens were so popular, they were
opened year round in 1934.  With no children as heirs, their estate was dedicated to maintaining the gardens and home.  The home today is filled with their original furnishings and Bessie's extensive porcelain collection.


The home overlooks the Fowl River from a high hill and enjoys cool breezes.  This view shows the boat dock at waters' edge.



The immaculately groomed gardens were lovely, even in the August heat.

Coleus

Ginger
Banana




A tropical conservatory housed numerous plants not winter hardy in Mobile. 














 The Japanese American Garden was an especially tranquil spot.



We expect to be in Mobile for another week or two while the boat work continues.

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