Amid the rapid growth along the TreasureCoast,

Heathcote Botanical Gardens

offer a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors.

With "over development" and "urban sprawl" being used currently to describe Florida, Heathcote Botanical Gardens offers an alternative view that includes conservation of green space. Since the establishment of the gardens on the former Heathcote Nursery site in 1985, the gardens have continued to expand and beautify the area.

Established as a non-profit organization, the gardens provide environmental, botanical, horticultural and ecological knowledge to educate the public by maintaining a collection of quality plants. In addition, the gardens provide cultural and recreational activities that attract residents from a broad geographical region.

Currently the gardens consist of 5 acres. In April 2007, Heathcote Botanical Gardens entered into an agreement with the City of Fort Pierce and Saint Lucie County. The agreement will place an additional 64 acres under Heathcote management. Plans for the next three years include: hiking trails which will connect the Savannah's Greenways System, picnic areas, a fitness trail, education center, a canoe launch on the 21 acre lake on the property, as well as expanding the botanical gardens to include 15 acres.

Amid the rapid growth along the Treasure Coast, Heathcote Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors. The gardens consist of an assortment of specialty gardens including a Japanese garden, Reflection garden, Herb garden, Rainforest Display, Native Plants garden, Orchid & Bromeliad House, Palm & Cycad walk, Children's Vegetable garden and a Reef garden. Walking through the gardens you'll discover the intimacy in the design, and feel miles away from urbanization.

Located in USDA PLANT HARDINESS zone 9b, Heathcote has both native and exotic flora from around the world. This zone allows for great diversity, blending the benefits of three climate zones. The gardens label plants of interest to assist visitors in learning what plants they may have or want to add to their home landscapes. In addition, the gardens sponsor two plant sales a year, numerous trips to other botanical gardens, festivals, classes and provide a place for students and adults to volunteer.

The next time you're tired from traffic, concrete & noise, visit the gardens and feel refreshed and hopeful about the future of the Treasure Coast.

Heathcote Botanical Garden is located at 210 Savannah Rd. in Fort Pierce, FL

Call 772-464-4672 for more information.