With the beautiful weather of spring, our thoughts turn to digging in the dirt! Bellingrath Gardens and Home has several events in May and June to help Gulf Coast gardeners with growing tips and long-range landscaping to create blooms and beauty all year long. Visit bellingrath.org for details! Here is the schedule of spring and summer events:

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Friday, May 6: National Public Gardens Day. This event is celebrated nationwide on Friday, May 6, to promote public gardens’ important role in leading environmental stewardship and awareness. Bellingrath Gardens, one of the state’s oldest public gardens, will mark the occasion with special behind-the-scenes tours conducted by Bellingrath’s Horticultural Management Team. Our guests will find out how we grow our signature displays that provide beauty to more than 110,000 visitors every year. Two tours will be offered: A guided tour to the Bellingrath Greenhouses at 10 a.m., followed by a Garden Walk to discover our spring blooms at 11 a.m.; or a guided Greenhouse Tour at 2 p.m., followed by the Garden Walk at 3 p.m.

At Bellingrath, which opened to the public in 1932, visitors enjoy 1 ½ miles of paths lined with azaleas, camellias, magnificent oaks and magnolias, bamboo groves, spring flowers and much, much more. The Gardens also offer numerous opportunities for learning about horticulture and the environment of the Gulf Coast.

Wednesday, June 1: Summer Garden Walk. Join Bellingrath’s Horticultural Management Team at 10:30 a.m. for a guided tour of the Gardens to see our wonderful summer displays, floral borders and new additions. Stay for lunch in our Magnolia Café and check out our new merchandise in the Bellingrath Gift Shop. The Garden Walk is the first of our Wonderful Wednesdays series in June and July.

Wednesday, June 15: Caring for Daylilies. John and Nancy Falck, owners of Hem Haven Daylily Nursery in Fairhope, will show our guests how to grow beautiful daylilies along the Gulf Coast. Join us at 10:30 a.m. as they share their best techniques to grow and maintain these attractive flowers. They will discuss a number of varieties and will have a selection for sale, too.

 Wednesday, June 22: Hydrangea Day. Bobby Green, owner of Green Nurseries in Fairhope, will introduce our guests to hydrangeas and viburnums, which often are presumed to be hydrangeas. Bring all your questions as Bobby will discuss how to best select and care for hydrangeas in your garden. The program begins at 10:30 a.m. Be sure to visit the Bellingrath Gift Shop, which will feature a sale of hydrangeas.  

 Wednesday, June 29: Cascade Chrysanthemums. Nursery manager Chuck Owens will let us in on the secrets of creating Bellingrath’s famous Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums, the nation’s largest outdoor cascading chrysanthemum display, which graces the Gardens every fall. Participants will get a preview of what colors and shapes will be featured on bridges, balconies and in plantings throughout the Gardens this November. Plants will be available for guests who would like to try growing their own cascade at home. Weather permitting, an optional tour of the mum growing area will follow the program, which will begin at 10: 30 a.m.

-Submitted by Bellingrath Gardens and Home