Bellingrath leadership selected 3. Fromme Design and HDLA to collaborate on a vibrant renaissance for the historic property. The resulting dynamic framework creatively and pragmatically anticipates the future while reinvigorating the Founders’ vision of an unrivaled horticultural showpiece.

A new visitor center, café, and shop choreograph an inviting entrance experience into a series of proposed gardens on axis with the historic Rose Garden. The adjacent event building and catering facility are sufficiently flexible to host medium and large indoor events of all sorts. Al fresco celebrations find an enchanting space in the event garden. Reconfigured and expanded parking serves both facilities.

The family garden invites adults and youngsters to explore a fantastical version of the native landscapes Mr. Bellingrath loved and in which he and Mrs. Bellingrath built their estate. Visitors find engaging and immersive plant based experiences taking their inspiration from the historic garden and native landscapes including the piney woods, oak forest, the bayou, and the river.

Sensitive and creative interventions within the historic core weave together the original gardens and new spaces freed after the Bellingrath’s tenure. Reforestation recreates the original mixed native canopy and azalea understory surrounding the central lake. A re-envisioned camellia arboretum returns a once extensive and beautiful component of the post Bellingrath era. Paths, architectural follies, and water features sit within the native woodland and overlook the adjacent Fowl River. Native plants provide both displays and collections.

The master plan includes design intents, interpretive stories, and planting approaches for each major area and destination. It purposefully choreographs the overall visitor experience and identifies venues for rentals and events to generate on site revenue. The design team also studied service access and developed initial bubble diagrams for enhanced service and support facilities.