​Due to the combination of a yellow fever outbreak as well as the Civil War, the Bellamy family sought extended refuge at Floral College.  Following the family’s return to Wilmington after the conclusion of the war, Eliza, the family matriarch, opted to embrace her longstanding fascination with horticulture and develop the estate’s grounds. After the installation of the classic iron fence and gate running along the sides of the property, Eliza focused all of her time and resources on increasing the garden’s variety of flora. 

​One such enhancement was the planting of Magnolia grandiflora in 1870, more commonly referred to as the southern magnolia (“Magnolia grandiflora,” n.d.). These impressive flora tower well over 50 feet and the ones on this property are considered heirlooms to the Bellamy family (Sheahan, 2015). Alongside being precious family bequests, one of the trees was named a heritage tree by the Wilmington Tree Commission in 2013 (“City of Wilmington, heritage trees,” n.d.). According to the Commission, heritage trees represent an “important aspect of” Wilmington’s “history and natural landscape” primarily due to their “age, rarity, grouping, overall beauty or historical significance” (“Heritage tree program,” n.d.). 

 Magnolia grandiflora are known for bearing “fragrant” and “white” flowers during their respective blooming season (“Magnolia grandiflora,” n.d.). The leaves of the trees are classified as evergreens, meaning that they retain their leaves year round (“Magnolia grandiflora”, n.d.). So, needless to say, the Bellamy yards are always filled with these trees’ thick, green leaves and require constant raking! In addition, these plants often produce seed clusters, many of which become food for the squirrels of Downtown Wilmington (“Magnolia grandiflora,” n.d.). If you look closely at the base of certain trees you will be sure to find some of the pods decaying and completely barren; and maybe, if you are lucky, you might even see one of the local squirrels feasting on some of the seeds!   

If these magnificent flora have piqued your interest be sure to stop by the mansion during visiting hours or purchase your tickets for the 2017 Azalea Garden Tour to experience these trees during the splendid spring season

Take a look at the Wilmington Tree Commission's page to learn more about heritage trees as well as the Commission itself! 

References
City of Wilmington, heritage trees. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/home/showdocument?id=3593.
Heritage tree program. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/trees/wilmington-tree-commission/heritage-tree-program.
Magnolia grandiflora. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c117.
Wilmington Tree Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/trees/wilmington-tree-commission.
Sheahan, C.M. (2015). Plant guide for southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_magr4.pdf.  

We are incredibly proud to announce that we will be taking part in the 64th Annual Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour© in April 2017! The Bellamy Mansion has not participated in the tour since 2010, so we are very excited to show off how much our grounds and gardens have changed over the course of seven years. We will spend the next nine months keeping you updated on all of our pruning, planting, and propagating endeavors, gardener spotlights, as well as flora of interest, so stay tuned!
 
Check out the Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour page for more information on the tour!