SINCE 1960, HEATHCOTE HAS BEEN THE SOURCE OF EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES AND GENEROUS DONATIONS.
Heathcote was beautiful and amazing! Walking through it was like being in an oasis. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves flowers. – Todd F. from Heathcote’s TripAdvisor page.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens consists of an assortment of specialty gardens including a Japanese Garden, Reflection Garden, Herb Garden, Rainforest Display, Native Plants Garden, Secret Garden and a Palm & Cycad Walk. These areas convey an atmosphere of individual garden rooms. Through this type of garden design, you will sense the intimacy of this unique botanical garden. Gracing the areas in between these specialty gardens are borders of flowering shrubs, bulbs, trees, vines and other assorted herbaceous plants. Niches found throughout the garden provide varied microclimates, which allows the use of a wide variety of plants ranging from those found in Mediterranean climates to the Tropics.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens is located on the southeast coast of Florida, in USDA PLANT HARDINESS zone 10A, and has both native Florida flora as well as exotic flora from around the world. It is uniquely situated in a biological transition zone between a warm-temperate zone to the north and a subtropical zone to the south. A transition zone contains species that are characteristic of the adjacent region to its north and south, as well as species that occur only in the transition zone. In the botanical world this is advantageous because it allows for greater diversity, which means that one may grow many kinds of plants from around the world that live under conditions associated with three climatic zones.
Heathcote Shares a Rich History with the Treasure Coast
Our labeled, plant collections are both grouped in specific areas in the Garden and dispersed throughout the Garden. Other plants of interest that tend to capture many of our visitors’ eyes and spark numerous inquiries have also been labeled. Labeling helps the local Garden visitor determine what plants they have in their own Florida home landscapes or what plants they may want to add. Visitors from all over the US and the world find the information on the plant labels interesting and helpful.
HOURS, ADMISSION & PET POLICY
Hours of Admission
The Gift Shop is open during normal operating hours*
10 am-4 pm
Sunday – Closed May through October
Reopen Sundays the 1st Sunday of November 12-4 pm
Monday – Closed
Please note that by entering/ visiting Heathcote Botanical Gardens visitors (as well as accompanying minors) are consenting to being photographed or videotaped for informational, educational or promotional purposes concerning Heathcote Botanical Gardens.
*renovations may impact the gift shop’s hours. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Closed Most Major Holidays.
(Closed December 24,25,31, 2023 and January 1, 2024)
- If you are unsure or if there is an inclement weather forecast, call ahead to check that we are open when you plan to visit.
Call: 772-464-4672
Cost of Admission
$12 Adults – $10 Seniors (65+)
$5 Ages 6 to 12 (Children Under 6 Free)
Dogs/Pets $1.00
Free for Heathcote Members, Veterans, and Retired & Active First Responders with I.D. (excluding special fundraisers)
- Handicap Accessible – Wheelchairs Available
AHS Reciprocal Garden members: Free with suggested donation amount of your choosing.
Dogs are welcome at Heathcote! There is an admission fee for pets.
Pet Policy
*Please note during Garden Of Lights pets are not permitted. Heathcote Botanical Gardens is a Pet-Friendly facility*. Well-behaved pets are welcome and should be leashed and under complete control by the owner at all times while on Heathcote property. Leashes must allow owner complete control over their pets at all times, we discourage the use of retractable leashes. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and for any damage caused by their pets. Owners need to ensure pets are up to date on their vaccines. If pets show signs of aggression (growling, barking, snapping or other aggressive behaviors that may not be listed) you and your pet may be asked to leave the gardens. No refunds will be issued if you and your pet are asked to leave. Welcome and thanks for being a responsible pet owner! There is a $1.00 admission fee per pet.
OUR HISTORY
A plant nursery on Heathcote Street in Scarsdale, New York, was the earliest seed of what has grown and blossomed into Heathcote Botanical Gardens.
Like many New Yorkers, the business was transplanted to Florida. In 1960 owners Jim and Mollie Crimmins moved the business from its original Florida location on west Orange Avenue to its current Fort Pierce site on Savannah Road.
Then in 1967 the Crimmins moved their family home from Delaware Avenue to the nursery site. Now known as Heathcote House, the Crimmins’ home was built around 1922.
Today the Frame Vernacular Style structure sits graciously amid old live oaks. Its second floor balcony, Dade County pine floors, and quaint fireplace all add to its charm. It presently houses administrative offices. In 2001 the City Commission passed a resolution to designate it as a Historically Significant Site based on its architectural characteristics and ties to the life of the community.
At the heart of Heathcote is its historical house, now serving as administrative offices.
Jan Bals, Laura Baker, Gloria Moore, Norma Axx, Peggy Berg
When the Crimmins retired, they put the property up for sale. A group of concerned citizens led by Gloria Moore, Chris Haynes, Jan Bals, Norma Carsens, Laura Baker, Gloria Rooks and Peggy Berg saw the unique beauty of the spot and worked hard to preserve it as a public botanical garden. Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Inc., was incorporated in 1985 as a non-profit; and in 1986 the property was purchased with private donations raised by Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Inc., and grants from the state, county, and city.
Today the non-profit continues to maintain and operate the Gardens and carry forward its mission.
MAP OF EXHIBITS
Download and print our high-resolution Printable Map.
GIFT SHOP
For a unique shopping experience visit Heathcote Botanical Gardens’ Gift Shop! Anyone may shop the garden gift shop regardless of garden admission. The Gift Shop is the first building you will come to when entering the Gardens and the last building when exiting the Gardens. This is also where you will pay your admission fee to the Gardens and receive the self-guided tour map, along with a Garden brochure.
The Gift Shop is open 10 am-4 pm during operational hours and some special events
Some merchandise you will find in the Garden Gift Shop includes:
- Children’s nature-related games, shirts, books, toys and trinkets
- Botanical t-shirts
- Locally hand-crafted jewelry
- Brilliantly-glazed pottery
- Florida gardening and plant books
- Local artists’ prints
- Easy-to-use gardening tools, special sunscreen and waterproof gloves
- Unusual greeting cards and note cards
- Natural soaps
- Decorative garden ornaments.
TOURS
Yes! I want to reserve a Guided Group Tour!
You can experience Heathcote by using our self-guided tour map, which you will receive at admissions, or you can make arrangements for a guided group tour by scheduling at least two weeks in advance of your visit.
Guided Tours are conducted Tuesday-Friday throughout the year.
There must be at least 6 people in a group for a guided group tour to be scheduled.
Cost for a guided group tour is $15.00/adults; Children 6-12 is $8.00. We do offer large group (20 and over) discounts with advanced booking.
or call 772-464-4672
Garden Tours
Heathcote Co-Hort Nan Billings giving a tour for some residents from the Port St. Lucie Nursing Home and Restorative Care Center.
Meet Our Staff
Board of Trustees
Heathcote’s Board of Trustees
- Cris Adams – President
- Dr. Madeleine Warns – Vice President
- Lana McClain – Secretary
Alexander Alvarez, DDS
- Sam Comer
Bud Eskola
- David Hall
Steve Hardy
- Carl Hensley
Thomas Long
Esperanza Morales
Susanne Patterson
Guzmanija lingulata bromeliad
OUR MISSION
The mission of Heathcote Botanical Gardens is to educate and inspire by providing a place of botanical beauty and to serve as a resource for the conservation of our environment.
Contact
Hours of Admission
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday – Closed May to October
Reopen Sundays 1st Sunday in November 12-4 pm
Monday – Closed
Closed Most Major Holidays. (Closed Dec. 24,25,31, 2024 and Jan.1, 2025)
If you are unsure or if there is an inclement weather forecast, call ahead to check that we are open when you plan to visit. For the most up to date closure information follow our Facebook page: Heathcote Botanical Gardens.
