Despite the summertime heat, there’s a surge of interest in all things green in this country – and that means gardens. Alabama has a pair of shady, magnolia-scented enclaves you might want to check out. One’s justifiably famous, the other is a lesser-known treasure.
First, head down to Mobile and behold the majesty that is Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Because of Mobile’s usually balmy weather this 65-acre arboreal wonderland is abloom year-round with flowers: roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in the fall, camellias during the winter and azaleas in the spring. Pack all your senses for this trip, especially the sense of smell. Best way to see, smell and experience Bellingrath is via a self-guided walking tour. This time of year you’ll want to bring along plenty of water and lay on the sunblock liberally. One highlight of the stroll is a sojourn through the rose garden, one of the very best anywhere on earth. The Bayou Boardwalk brings you home to the kind of land that perfuses much of the Gulf Coast. Mirror Lake is a languid, lovely place to dwell a while and Butterfly Garden is glorious.
If the heat becomes a bit much, head inside, to the Bellingrath Home. Mrs. Bellingrath bequeathed a home replete with original furnishings and an extensive collection of decorative arts for your enjoyment.
Up state is Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a 67.5-acre enclave near the Birmingham Zoo. It’s a place set apart from the madding crowd, one laced with secluded footpaths, surprising streams and an abundance of outdoor sculpture. The scent of the South is in full bloom here. Horticultural aficionados already know the gardens well. That’s because it features the largest horticultural library in the United States. The gardens themselves comprise the most visited free attraction in the State of Alabama.
(Image: celesteh)
