There is always something in bloom at Bellingrath Gardens. Unlike other public gardens that are only full of flowers in the spring and summer, South Alabama’s temperate climate ensures that Bellingrath is beautiful year-round.
Fall brings roses, Encore azaleas, chrysanthemums, salvia, zinnias, camellias and a host of other blooming plants to the 65-acre garden in Theodore, Alabama, but that’s just part of its appeal. Stroll the winding paths under canopies of old-growth magnolia and oak trees and you’ll notice something different every time you visit — a bamboo tunnel, shady arbors with porch swings, a stone-lined stairwell with water features, sweeping views of the Fowl River.
Equally impressive is the former home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, which is also on the property and available for tours. The stately 15-room brick building dates back to the 1930s and has been carefully preserved and is furnished with the Bellingrath’s antiques and decorative objects. Plan a full day to fully take in the entire estate, and then return in a different season to discover it all over again.