In October 2009, Bonsai Master Jim Smith donated 100 of his finest trees to Heathcote Botanical Gardens on the condition that they would be properly maintained, displayed and protected.  Unlike a traditional bonsai display of trees lined up on benches with no competing scenery, Master Smith imagined a "Walk Through Bonsai" where visitors could stroll the beautiful Heathcote Botanical Gardens, and discover a unique bonsai tree at every turn.  The horticultural requirements of bonsai made installing them into the existing gardens impractical, and so a unique and original garden was planned by Sam Comer of Hayslip Landscape, with guidance from Master Smith and Jim Van Landingham.

Master Smith pioneered the use of  tropical species such as portulacaria afra, (the dwarf leaf jade tree) as bonsai, and used many Florida native species to interpret the ancient art of bonsai.  Sam Comer's garden design and the architectural contributions of Peter Moor serve as a metaphor for Master Smith's work.  Elements of a traditional Japanese Garden (stone, gravel, limited landscape palette) are interpreted through native Florida plants and building materials.  "It's where sushi meets fried mullet!" says architect Peter Moor.

Using Landscape Architect Rodney Robinson's master plan as guide, the new Bonsai Garden was placed on the south east corner of the existing five-acre botanical garden.  The 10,000 square foot area was originally were the Crimmins' family nursery received clients.  During Heathcote's early years, the Fort Pierce Orchid Society, the Heathcote Herb Society, Eddie Eggers and many dedicated volunteers built various structures and garden features, including the Herb House, Orchid House, and the Lib Tobey Rainforest Memorial.  The ravages of time, tropical elements, and the twin  hurricanes of 2004 damaged most of the structures beyond repair.

A St. Lucie Tourist Development grant for $148,720 was matched by a $100,000 anonymous contribution, and sufficient internal resources to begin site work in August 2010.

The old Heathcote propagation shed was held together with baling wire, vines and prayer.  A new shade house was built behind the Heathcote House, recycling lumber and the frame of the old Orchid House.  Heathcote staff and volunteers contributed countless hours and true ingenuity.  The new shade house will be dedicated to Marian Gower, who started Heathcote's propagation program.

The old pump house yielded several lighter knot cypress posts that were integrated into Heathcote's exotic tillandsia (air plant) display.

The Heathcote Herb House , once a hub for Herb Society events, had become a quaint but shabby storage facility.

Volunteers Denny Larsen, Perry --- and Jim Gaines attach the old pump house.

Volunteer Jimmy Shreenan and another team of Heathcote CoHorts dismantle the Herb House.

The Orchid House, which was lovingly refurbished in 2007 by the Fort Pierce Orchid Society was recycled to create a new propagation facility and shade house.  The Society assists with caring for the orchid collection until a new orchid house can be built.

Heathcote staff and volunteers transplanted every possible plant, and send the rest into propagation.  The Rain Forest, which was a memorial to past Director Lib Tobey, is being re-established at the west end of the Palm Walk.  The Reflection Garden was reconfigured, and the memorials will be refurbished and replaced.

Sam Comer of Hayslip Landscape designed the Bonsai Garden, and attended to every detail of the project.  Here he is after hours, grading the site.Richard K. Davis Construction Corporation was selected to build the education pavilion, gates and pump house.  Construction commenced in December 2010.

In January 2011, a Ground Breaking Ceremony was held.From left, Tourist Development Chairman and County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, Jim Smith, Heathcote Board President Cris Adams, City Commissioner Tom Perona and Heathcote Director Amy Dahan.

White flags are tree, orange flags are pathways, blue flags are fountains, green flags are screens....

A large horseshoe fountain is formed.  (Installation by A&G Pools.)

Three round "lucky penny" fountains being formed.

Sam Comer adjusted the layout at each step.

Shooting the pools.