For Immediate Release
Monday, May 19, 2008

Wednesdays are Wonderful at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Who knew Wednesday could be so wonderful?  Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature.  Topics include Summer Gardening, The Bellingrath Collections and special Children’s activities including the popular Kid’s Kruise.  Wonderful Wednesdays will be held June 4 – August 20, 2008 - No activity on July 2, 2008,

June 4 – Summer Garden Walk
How do you keep your garden beautiful throughout the summer?  Barbara Smith, Bellingrath’s Display Manager, will lead a tour of Bellingrath’s summer planting providing tips and answering questions about summer and fall garden planting.  Registration is requested.  Members are admitted at no charge, regular admission applies to non-members.

June 11 – In the Path of the Storms - Bayou Le Batre, Coden and the Alabama Coast
Join authors Frye Gaillard, Sheila Hagler and Peggy Denniston, as they discuss their new book and beautiful photographs about how this area has sustained incredible damage from major storms but continue to survive and redefine itself despite all of the obstacles. Books and photographs will be on display in the Magnolia Café. Members are admitted at no charge, regular admission applies to non-members.

June 18 – Lotus and the Elusive Peony
Dr. Ken Tilt, Auburn University Professor and Extension Horticulturist Tilt will talk with us about his exciting research on lotus, an ancient aquatic perennial that is native to China and has been used throughout the world for centuries as food, medicine and as ornamentals.  Dr. Tilt and his team have evaluated more than 100 small “teacup” lotus and several large cultivars for potential release.  He will also talk about his ongoing research to find varieties of peony that may be adaptable to our Southern climates. Members are admitted at no charge, regular admission applies to non-members.

June 25 – Containers and Patio Gardening
Learn from a professional designer, Donald Zimlich of Zimlich’s Patio and Garden Center, about landscaping your patio.  He will discuss plant varieties that are best suited for Mobile’s climate, container gardening, landscaping in and around your patio and how to maintain all of them.  He will also talk about the planning process that goes into providing the best display over the longest period.  Members are admitted at no charge, regular admission applies to non-members.

July 9 – Kids Kruise & Dauphin Island Sea Lab Touch Table
Need something fun for the kids and grandkids to do in the middle of the summer? Join us for a fun filled morning ending with a lunch cruise on Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle.  The Dauphin Island Sea Lab will have the Touch Table available for the children where a variety of sea creatures are on display for the students to touch, hold and examine. Additional activities on related “sea life” topics will be available for everyone to enjoy.  A limited number of required reservations are available.  (Adults must accompany children on the Kid’s Kruise). Admission – Members:  Adults $16, Children 5 – 12 $11, Non-members:  Adults $26, Children 5 – 12 $16.50 and all children 4 and under are $6.

July 16 – English Gardens
English Gardens inspired Mr. & Mrs. Bellingrath.  Dr. William Barrick, Bellingrath’s Executive Director, will discuss English Gardens and his recent visit to England.  Registration is requested.  Members are admitted at no charge, regular admission applies to non-members.

July 23 – Cascading Mums – How Do They Grow That Way?
See what goes into putting on the largest outdoor display of cascading mums in the country.  Chuck Owens, Bellingrath’s Horticulturist, will lead a tour through Bellingrath’s mum growing operation and discuss the process of cultivating and preparing the mums for their fall display.  Participants will receive a mum and directions for trying their own cascades. Registration is requested.  Members are admitted at no charge, regular admission applies to non-members.

July 30 – Kid’s Gardening Day
Do your children like to get involved in gardening projects at home? Do they have a curiosity about plants and living things?  If so, bring them to Bellingrath where they will tour a greenhouse; participate in special gardening projects while learning how plants grow.  Plants and equipment will be supplied.  Registration is requested.  Members are admitted at no charge, regular admission applies to non-members.

August 6 – Founder’s Day
In honor of Walter Bellingrath’s Birthday, admission to the Gardens will be free to all Mobile & Baldwin County residents! 

For more information about Wonderful Wednesdays, contact Bellingrath Gardens and Home at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or 251.973.2217.

Leslie C. Schraeder
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
P: 251.973.2217 X 137
C: 251.689.5444
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1240 Bellingrath Gardens Road ◦ Theodore, Alabama 36582
(251) 973-2217 ◦ Fax (251 973-0540 ◦ www.bellingrath.org
Owned and operated by The Bellingrath-Morse Foundation, a charitable, not-for-profit organization