Theodore, Alabama -  Bellingrath Gardens and Home will once again celebrate Alabama's state flower, the camellia. Bellingrath will host a Winter Wednesday workshop about the history of the camellia in Alabama and a special camellia day which will feature several seminars with topics regarding camellia identification, grafting, camellia forms, and waxing as well as a guided camellia walk through the Gardens.  Bellingrath will also host a mini camellia show for guests to display their favorite blooms.   

Winter Wednesday - History of Camellias in Alabama

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 10:30-11:30    

How did Camellias become the State Flower of Alabama?  Join Chuck Shirk from the Camellia Club and learn all about Camellias in Alabama.  He will be happy to answer your questions about growing Camellias in your garden.  Camellia plants will be on sale in the Gift Shop.  All Winter Wednesday programs are free for Members and $11 for non-members which includes Gardens admission for the day of the program.  There are additional charges to tour the Bellingrath Museum Home.   

Camellia Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Saturday, February 6, 2010 

9:00 - 10:00 AM - Bring your prized Camellia blossoms to the Magnolia Café to display.  Containers will be provided by the Camellia Club.  Members will also be available to answer questions and identify blossoms.    

10:00 - 11: 00 AM - Grafting and Air Layering Seminar.  Blanding Drinkard & Rick Crow from the Camellia Club will demonstrate these two methods of cultivating Camellias.   They will share some of their favorite methods to achieve success. 

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Camellia ID 101.  Becky Root from the Camellia Club will describe the forms of Camellias.    After this presentation, you will know more about forms and varieties of Camellias.  

1:00 - 2:00 PM - Waxing Camellias. Dr. Brenda Litchfield, Camellia Club President will help us wax our favorite blossoms.  Brenda will provide blossoms, but feel free to bring your own.  Lots of fun and always a favorite activity for Camellia lovers of all ages. 

2:30 PM- Camellia Walk with Becky Root.  Becky has spent hours discovering all of the different Camellias planted throughout Bellingrath Gardens.  She will guide you through the Gardens on this special plant tour. Tour will depart from the Magnolia Café.  Free for Friends of Bellingrath members; $11.00 General Gardens Admission. 

All Day - Camellia Plant Sale in the Gift Shop 

All Day - Ikebana Camellia Display  

All Day - Bonsai Camellia Display  

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Mini- Camellia Show will be on display in the Magnolia Room until 3:00 p.m.