Even during the cold season, Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, Ala. is filled with blooms and beauty! Gulf Coast residents and visitors are invited to attend the Bellingrath Winter Wednesdays series for sessions on gardening, history and the beautiful collections in the Bellingrath Home.
 
The Winter Wednesdays sessions are held each week in the Magnolia Room from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. through Feb. 22. Admission to the program is included in the regular Gardens admission, and guests are encouraged to tour the Gardens after the session. Registration is requested: To register, call 251.973.2217.
 
Here are the upcoming 2017 Winter Wednesdays events:
  • February 1: Our Camellia Heritage, with Dr. Bill Barrick: Walter Bellingrath’s favorite flower was the camellia. Join Executive Director Dr. Bill Barrick to learn how Walter and his wife, Bessie, transformed their 65-acre garden estate with extensive plantings of this wonderful, winter-blooming shrub.
  • February 8: Fertilizing Roses, with Linda Guy: Linda Guy, longtime Rosarian of Bellingrath’s award-winning Rose Garden, will discuss the best times to fertilize roses and what nutrients the bushes need in order to thrive throughout the year. Questions are encouraged! Books and supplies will be available in the Gift Shop.
  • February 15: Ancient Forests of Alabama: Explore our ancient forests and learn how they affect our climate today in this session with University of South Alabama professor Dr. Brian Axsmith. Brian will describe how scientists use plant fossils to reconstruct ancient climates and explain how the fossil record helps us understand the past, present and future of our state’s amazing forests.
  • February 22: Horticulture by the Numbers, with Chuck Owens: If you’re mystified by all of the numbers on fertilizer bags and how to measure pH, this session is for you! Bellingrath’s Nursery Manager, Chuck Owens, will share his extensive knowledge of the basics of horticultural management and how to use this information to get your garden in perfect balance.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home is operated by the Bellingrath Gardens and Home Foundation, a charitable, not-for-profit organization. Bellingrath Gardens and Home is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the 65-acre garden and estate home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. For more information, visit www.bellingrath.org or call 251.973.2217.