One might not think at first that there would be much in bloom in the middle of February in this part of the country. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having passed through the entrance gate, I was impressed by the various types of flowering Kale used in bordering the walkways. We made our way to the Great Lawn which was guarded by a solitary topiary standard bearer. This beautifully manicured field stretches hundred of yards toward the river and the gardens on the right side of the house. The use of water, both functional and as accent and divider, is superb as we walked alongside trickling brooks and over bridges. The front of the house is very close to the river’s edge leaving little area for development. A pier stretches out into the river to facilitate the landing of the cruise boat that visits during the warmer months. The left side of the house leads to a boardwalk and observation platforms built later as a bayou estuary, and animal preserve. The largest of the platforms is built in gazebo style utilizing a palm leaf roof that had deteriorated long ago, giving a feeling of quiet solitude. We found ourselves alone on the shelter bench curled up against each other warding off the imaginary loneliness of our surroundings.
Continuing past the Bayou, we entered the paved pathways meandering through the many gardens that run for what seems like miles in the rear of the house. Mirror lake, a long sliver of water which transverses the many themes was generously adorned with the waterfowl of the area. There was even a natural spring bubbling forth on a slight rise on the far side of the lake. Well developed natural visual barriers, prevented us from seeing from one theme to another. This was most effective over the lake as we were not able to see down the lake from one place to another. There was always a turn or object strategically placed, blocking the view. Of particular interest was the Japanese garden with its tea house and bridges. The only non-instructive sign is to be found here. Hanging on the back wall in large Japanese lettering is the word “Coca Cola”.
The house itself is a magnificent structure built from handmade bricks acquired from the home where Alva Vanderbilt was born. The ironworks came from an old waterfront hotel in Mobile that was built in the Eighteen hundreds. Many of the fifteen rooms within, are furnished with the antiques acquired by Bessie. Several of these items can be identified to their specific owners such as the 20 piece parlor set once owned by Madame Pontaba, the creator of New Orleans’ famed Jackson Square, or The Chippendale banquet table and chairs once owned by Sir Thomas Lipton of English Tea fame. The house is visited by guided tour only for an extra charge. There are many other structures of notable interest. A Gallery, displaying a collection of porcelain sculptures by Edward Boehm. A chapel, originally used by the Bellingraths, and a greenhouse which at the time displayed a wonderful variety of orchids. A day at the gardens most likely will last three or four hours, but with the exception of a bridge or two, the walk was easy and appeared to be handicap accessible.

To check out the specific details, scheduling, entrance fees, and what's going on right now in the Bellingrath Gardens and Home, check out the link to this horticultural delight's web page at http://www.Bellingrath.org.

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