The Bellamy Garden

Bellamy Mansion Garden Present and Future . . .

The reconstructed carriage house opened to the public in Spring 2001 as the mansion’s visitor center. Once that construction was complete, the original 19th century design of the compound became evident. The main house, carriage house, slave quarters, and the decorative iron fencing along the street sides and formal garden combined to make a compact and elegant layout. The architect’s original vision could now be seen and attention could be given to the rear area of the property.

The rear area was typical of an urban environment in its original state – hard packed dirt, poultry shed with its odiferous inhabitants, a cow in the yard, a kitchen garden and a few fruit trees– a serious working place that supported the life in the main house. Today, this space supports the main house in another way – as site of about 40 events a year – wedding ceremonies and/or receptions, parties and other gatherings. Renting the house and grounds provides income for the museum. Back of the main house is also where we greet our visitors the majority of the time. Visitors, thousands over the course of the year, are directed to the Visitor Center in back of the mansion rather than an approach through the front gates. The result is that a more manicured space is required as opposed to the barren rear yard of the past.

The changes that came about in this “new” rear area are complimentary to the formality of the “antique” garden of the front and side yard. In seamless transition, new pathways connect with the older ones and encircle the house. Shell material is the paving surface as before. Barren ground has become lush green grass in spring and summer. This slows water runoff during heavy rains that was previously problematic. The rear yard has become a place to linger.

The Pathway to History walkway at the prominent entry of the Carriage House Visitor Center honors Bellamy family and descendants as well as other supporters of the museum via etched memorial honorarium paving brick. Parallel to this is a ramp that leads to an herb garden – today’s concession to the kitchen garden. The approach from there to the front entrance of the mansion itself is a meandering but relaxing stroll that takes full advantage and view of our garden.

Welcome to Mrs. Bellamy’s garden and Dr. Bellamy’s grand house.