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Heathcote
Botanical Gardens, Inc. was established in 1985 by a group
of citizens desiring to rescue a retired plant nursery
from encroaching urbanization and transform it into a public
garden facility. Within its boundaries existed numerous
exotic plant species, mature native trees and shrubs, a
Japanese Garden, outbuildings and a house originally constructed
in
1922 that was moved to the site in 1967.
The Garden's
property was purchased in 1985 through combined financial
contributions of the City of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie
County, the State of Florida and Friends of Heathcote Botanical
Gardens, Inc. Soon following the purchase, volunteers
began work on the reclamation and transformation of the nursery,
then
overgrown with Brazilian Peppers, Schinus terebinthifolius, and
other invasive plants, into a botanical garden facility.
Although the Garden leases its property from the County,
it receives no operating funds from them or any other governmental
entity;
it is self-supporting and is managed and operated solely
by
its staff, volunteers and Board of Trustees. The Garden
operates with income generated from admissions, special events,
memberships,
gift shop revenues, facility rental fees, program fees, grants
and private contributions.
Today, Heathcote is an intimate, 3.5
acre botanical garden collecting, preserving and displaying
plants of the warm-temperate,
subtropic
and tropic regions. Along with its collections of palms,
cycads, bromeliads, bonsai, flowering trees, shrubs and vines,
the Garden also contains numerous themed gardens. Heathcote
House, the Pioneer House, and Gift Shop, as well as other
unique architectural
and landscape features, add to our visitors' experience.
The Garden's current staff consists
of two full time and three part-time employees. Our volunteers
assist staff with
educational programs, garden projects, garden maintenance,
office tasks, gift shop sales & admissions and events.
The Garden is now planning for its future
with the development of a Master Plan. An adjacent 1.5
acres acquired in 2001
(with funds from St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce)
will
provide area for a Visitor/Education Center and additional
gardens, collections, architectural & landscape features
and parking. Along with concepts for new construction, the
Plan will help to clearly
define the Garden's mission, prepare for restoration
of existing gardens, structures and infrastructure and generate
ideas for effective, educational programming.
Heathcote is committed to playing a major role in enhancing
the quality of life in our communities. With a fresh look,
increased capabilities and a new innovative approach, the
Garden can then serve a more diverse audience and be of
greater pleasure
and benefit to the residents of and visitors to
the Treasure Coast area of Florida. |
