Blooming Into Its Second Century

New plan will guide Bellingrath Gardens & Home’s growth for years to come.

There’s something special happening at Bellingrath Gardens & Home each season: a pumpkin patch and cascading chrysanthemums in the fall, poinsettias and the beloved Magic Christmas in Lights display (2025 marked its 30th year) in winter, azaleas galore and Beers & Blooms in the spring and Mr. Bellingrath’s birthday celebration, offering complimentary admission and a cold Coca-Cola, in the summer. In October 2025, Bellingrath released its Centennial Master Plan, a framework to guide its development and growth — while preserving its legacy — as the Gardens prepare to celebrate 100 years
of operation.

“The Charmed Spot of the South”

Known as “The Charmed Spot of the South,” Bellingrath Gardens’ unique history and enduring appeal have made it a standout Mobile County landmark. Originally the 65-acre private gardens and estate home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, the Gardens have delighted locals and visitors since 1932, when the couple decided to welcome the public. Bessie passed away unexpectedly in 1943, and Walter dedicated the rest of his life to furthering her dream for the Gardens. After Walter’s death in 1955, The Bellingrath-Morse Foundation was founded to oversee operation of the Gardens, as well as open the Bellingrath home to the public.

The Bellingrath Gardens and Home Foundation was created in 2004 to assist with garden enhancement, special events, educational programs and capital projects. Boasting year-round blooms, the Gardens have hosted countless weddings, birthdays and other memorable gatherings over the years. Unchanged from when the Bellingrath’s lived there, the 15-room, 10,500-square-foot home is open for guided tours. The Magnolia Café serves lunch daily with additional offerings for events, and visitors to the Gardens exit through a beautifully curated gift shop.

“A Collective Vision”

Bellingrath’s Centennial Master Plan was developed in collaboration with leadership, partners and national experts, including garden designer Tres Fromme of 3.fromme Design. “The master plan balances
rejuvenating the historic gardens with new features that will assure Bellingrath’s ongoing relevance, vibrancy and beauty,” Fromme said. “This is a collective vision built on heritage, inspiration and the needs of a modern cultural destination.”

Key initiatives addressed in the Centennial Master Plan include:
♦ Restoration of the historic core, including infrastructure upgrades
♦ Creation of a children’s and family adventure garden
♦ Re-establishment of the Camelia Arboretum, lost to Hurricane Frederick in 1979
♦ Design and accessibility enhancements

Philanthropy and Operational Success

Bellingrath has experienced record attendance and strong operational growth under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Todd Lasseigne, who has been in his role since July 2020. In the past five years, $3.5 million in visible campus improvements, including renovations to the Magnolia Room, Summer House and Admission Building, have been made. In December 2025, Lasseigne announced that Bellingrath had successfully raised $100,000 in funds, doubled by the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, for the design work of Phase 1 of the Centennial Master Plan.

Lasseigne notes that the Master Plan’s development and early implementation have been made possible through the generosity of donors and partners:

“Philanthropy and operational success go hand in hand. Thanks to the steadfast support of our donors, partners and community, Bellingrath is entering a period of renewed strength and momentum. This plan ensures that we remain faithful to our founders’ vision while creating new opportunities for
learning, inspiration and discovery.”