I have been living on Florida’s Treasure Coast for over twenty years and have never visited Heathcote Botanical Gardens. So, I packed up my bags and off I went. This diamond in the rough is nestled on Savannah Road in Fort Pierce. Heathcote Botanical Gardens is celebrating more than thirty years as St. Lucie County’s first botanical garden where visitors can enjoy five acres of a beautiful subtropical wonderland. I spent the morning roaming the pathways of this beautiful garden.
The botanical gardens began as a nursery but transformed into a botanical garden welcoming visitors from all over the world. The Heathcote Botanical Gardens consists of an assortment of specialty gardens where there is always something beautiful in bloom.
Heathcote Botanical Bonsai Garden
One of the displays in the gardens includes the country’s most extensive Topical Bonsai Garden, bringing elements from all over the world to create a stunning display of plants. Bonsai is the art of dwarfing trees and growing them in containers. Bonsai Master Jim Smith donated his finest collection to Heathcote Botanical Gardens. However, there was one condition: that they would be properly maintained, displayed, and protected. Master Smith imagined a “Walk Through Bonsai Exhibit” where visitors could stroll and discover a unique bonsai tree at every turn. I think he would have been happy.
Heathcote Botanical Reflection Garden
As I exited the Bonsai Garden, I heard the soothing sounds of water, so I followed the sound to The Reflection Garden. The circular whirlpool reflection pond provides a quiet space for contemplation. It serves as a place apart from the rest of the Gardens. You are invited to slow down and look within. I took a seat on the bench. As a result, I immediately started to relax. It’s in these contemplative moments of life that we find inspiration, take comfort, and have our spirits restored.
The Heathcote House
What began as a tropical and exotic nursery in the 1930s remains a cultural, educational resource today! The Heathcote House serves as the center of activity for programming, research, volunteer engagement, and a meeting space for community members to help fulfill Heathcote’s mission. It represents the past as well as the future.
Heathcote Botanical Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden is very peaceful. I sat and watched the coyfish swimming. In the background, the tranquil sounds of a small waterfall. The Japanese Garden here at Heathcote Botanical Gardens is very lovely. It reminded me of another Japanese Garden down the road we liked. The Morikami Japanese Garden in Delray Beach.
I could have watched the coyfish all day however, I had the rest of the Japanese Garden to explore. The pathways directed my attention and provided ease of footing. Boulders represent a distant mountain range. I walked through the entrance gate, over the bridge, and through the opening in the hedge. In conclusion, I enjoyed an immersive walk through the Japanese Garden.
After leaving the Japanese Garden, it was starting to get hot, but I still had more gardens to explore. I wondered what it must have been like in Florida without air conditioning about two hundred years ago. The Pioneer House here is a Florida “cracker’ house in the style that dwelling settlers used during that time. Wooden houses were built quickly by Florida and Georgia settlers who were lured to Florida by cheap and plentiful land. They typically cooked outside and used the fireplace for warmth. Hanging quilts created separate spaces inside the one-room house. The cypress limb railing is a Native American design feature.
Heathcote Botanical Children’s Garden
The sign at the edge of the pathway gave ideas of where to go next, so I had to decide. Would it be the Community Garden or the Word Garden? How about the Research Classroom? The sign pointed to different directions and different locations. It is a place for children and families to explore plants and the natural world, through hands-on experiences and play.
It was quiet the day I visited but I listened closely. I could almost hear the sound of children’s laughter echoing through the trees. What a great place to bring children for a birthday party or learning adventures. Its most prominent feature is a Chickee hut, built in the Seminole tradition with open sides and a thatched roof. Tree stump benches provide spots for little ones to rest and play. A playhouse, mosaic hopscotch, Fairy Garden, and whimsical art pieces made from garden tools all add to the fun. I can’t wait to bring my grandkids here when they get older.
Heathcote Botanical Butterfly Garden
Butterflies flock to Heathcoat’s Butterfly Garden. The Butterfly Garden attracts butterflies by providing over 35 species of nectar plants for butterflies and caterpillars. Butterflies are very specific about their preferences for these. Pick a warm sunny day to see the most butterflies, and rejoice to see holes in the foliage! That means more butterflies will be coming soon.
Other garden galleries include The Citrus Grove, Palm & Cycad Walk, Tropical Rain Forest, and the “Reef” (Succulent) Garden. The mission at Heathcote is to educate and inspire by providing a place of beauty and for the conservation of our environment.
Plan on spending about an hour here at the gardens however, you could spend half a day here too. For me, it was unbelievably refreshing. There is a huge variety of plants in this small, easily walkable garden.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens is located at 210 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce, Florida so, plan a visit today!
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