Alabama
Gardens - An Historical Vignette
Alabama is justifiably proud
of its gardening heritage. From 1609, early settlers brought
seeds, roots, and trees for both their visual appeal and
to assure their livelihood. It is thought that the pioneer
backwoodsmen who were focused with native vegetation were
responsible for the typical Alabama flower garden.
The Alabama State Agricultural Society Fair, held in Montgomery
in 1855, was the first state-wide display of its type.
Famous historical gardens include Bellingrath, well-known
for its chrysanthemums, the largest outdoor collection
in the world. In the early 1920s, Walter Bellingrath made
the decision to retreat from the high-pressure life of
making millions in the bottling and marketing of Coca-Cola.
Mr. Bell, as he was called, established Bell Camp in Alabama,
a rustic fishing camp. During that time, his wife, Bessie
started collecting azaleas and camellias, planting hundreds,
then thousands, around the lodge. Mr. Bell saw the garden
as a marketing opportunity. In 1933, he opened the garden
to the public for a fee, and proactively marketed its
appeal through advertisements. The promotion was so successful
that that the Alabama sheriff's department was called
in to control the crowds. Today the 65 landscaped acres
on the 905-acre estate attracts millions of visitors annually.
In spring, more than 250,000 azalea shrubs bloom.
Bibliography
and Acknowledgments
Shown: Camellia japonica.
