Table of contents for Flowers & Gardens 2017 in Victoria

Maybe when Wordsworth lauded the beauty of the daffodil, “fluttering and dancing in the breeze,” that golden crowd was among the first of the season to blast their cheery trumpets across the English landscape. Blooms in any season hold such sway over the senses—perhaps, in part, for their beauty and variety. Flowers occupy a special place in our hearts at Victoria, not to mention our homes and gardens. And we know that you, dear readers, share our affection. That is why we are so pleased to bring you this special edition of Victoria Classics, featuring magnificent landscape s, public and private, that serve as both shared retreats and personal havens. The belle of the Gulf Coast region, Bellingrath Gardens (featured on page 11) has a history that is inextricably linked…

A landmark of the Windsor Farms neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia—a planned community designed to evoke the charms of historic England—Agecroft Hall nestles easily into its tranquil woodland setting on the banks of the James River. Although the home’s story began long ago in Europe, a new chapter continues to unfold in the United States. “Today, the manor house, surrounded by glorious English gardens, welcomes visitors to step back in time to explore the world of Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare,” says Executive Director Anne Kenny-Urban. “Guests are entranced by the romance and chivalry of the era, and they relish the opportunity to experience it all firsthand.” Originally built in Lancashire, England, in the late fifteenth century, the manor was home to the Langley and Dauntesey families for more than four…

“THERE IS SIMPLY THE ROSE; IT IS PERFECT IN EVERY MOMENT OF ITS EXISTENCE.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson…

Gazing across the sixty-five acres of flowering plants and overarching trees that comprise Bellingrath Gardens, it’s hard to believe these Edenlike environs had such humble beginnings. The transformation from fishing post to botanical wonderland is principally due to the efforts of one determined woman, Bessie Mae Morse Bellingrath, wife of Coca-Cola bottling magnate Walter Bellingrath. Kind and generous to the core, she was a behind-thescenes benefactor to many in her community, often offering to purchase plants from needy families, under the guise that she had searched far and wide for just those very specimens. In 1927, Bessie began working with architect George Bigelow Rogers to develop the “Belle Camp” grounds. Those first azaleas were joined by other Southern favorites, such as bougainvilleas, hibiscus, and hydrangeas. It wasn’t long before flowers…

In Jan and Lane Savage’s garden oasis, the calendar brings into focus an ever-changing showcase of flora. Terraces leveled from the slopes of the mountainside property create a living amphitheater of sorts, where the radiant performers include peonies, roses, and dahlias. The burbling of a fountain lends a melodic quality to the scene, and bright nectar-rich plants encourage bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to flit among the petals. “All gardeners know that the yard you have today will not be the one you have next week or next year, ” says Jan. With the help of landscape designer Troy Rhone, the couple transformed their half-acre lot into a series of thoughtfully planned outdoor rooms framed by arborvitae and architectural elements. Raised beds brim with vegetables, while expanses of green claim their…

“TO SEE A WORLD IN A GRAIN OF SAND AND HEAVEN IN A WILD FLOWER, HOLD INFINITY IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND AND ETERNITY IN AN HOUR.” —William Blake “AND THE JESSAMINE FAINT, AND THE SWEET TUBEROSE, THE SWEETEST FLOWER FOR SCENT THAT BLOWS.” —Percy Bysshe Shelley…

If Linda Phifer knew one thing about gardening, it was that she did not plan to continue it into adulthood. Toiling alongside her parents, she appreciated the bounty their efforts produced but wondered why a woman would ever labor in the heat of the Deep South if she didn’t have to. So after Linda married and bought a three-acre property, she was surprised when her husband, Tyler, suggested transforming the landscape. The couple began planting flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees nearly two decades ago and uncovered new talents. “I do it for the enjoyment,” Linda says, “and also for the satisfaction of knowing I can provide for myself.” Particularly close to her heart are spaces flourishing with tomatoes, okra, and bell peppers—flavorful gems she cans or freezes for year-round use.…

Pages 11–18: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, AL, 251-973-2217, bellingrath.org. Pages 19–26: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay, ME, 207-633-8000, mainegardens.org. Pages 27–34: Agecroft Hall, 4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, VA, 804-353-4241, agecrofthall.com. Pages 35–42: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA, 626-405-2100, huntington.org. Pages 43–48: Gibbs Gardens, 1987 Gibbs Drive, Ball Ground, GA, 770-893-1881, gibbsgardens.com. Pages 51–58: Diana Hansen, White Flowers Gallery, 2800 18th Street S, Homewood, AL, 205-871-4640, whiteflowers.com. Pages 59–64: Landscaping by homeowner Glenn Hillman, forresterr@optimum.net. Pages 65–70: Troy Rhone Garden Design, 2839 Culver Road, Suite 208, Mountain Brook, AL, 205-249-1030, troyrhone.com. Pages 87 and 93: Antique ironstone pitcher, call for pricing and availability; from Henhouse Antiques, 205-918-0505, shophenhouseantiques.com. Page 90: Flowers provided by…