Hilgi the Heathcote Garden Cat: A Beloved Garden Friend Lives On Through Story
For more than 13 years, Hilgi was part of the heart and soul of Heathcote Botanical Gardens. Guests remember her sunny naps, her gentle purrs, and her habit of quietly appearing just when you needed a smile.
Now, thanks to author and storyteller Dr. Mary Ann Kedron, Hilgi’s story will live on in a beautiful new children’s book—Hilgi the Heathcote Cat. This story shares Hilgi’s adventures growing up in the gardens, helping the gardeners, and discovering the magic of the Garden of Lights.
Dr. Kedron, known for her Critter Chronicles and Garden Yarns series, continues her mission to teach kindness and compassion through animal tales. “If even one child reads and understands the message in these stories, then it’s all worth it,” she says.
While it’s bittersweet to celebrate Hilgi’s story after her recent disappearance, this book is a lasting tribute to her gentle spirit and the joy she brought to our community.
The official book launch and signing event will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Heathcote Botanical Gardens, with a live reading by Dr. Kedron and opportunities for guests to have their copies signed and help us keep Hilgi’s legacy alive. Books will continue to be available for purchase in our gift shop during Garden of Lights. The Book reading is free for nonmembers of Heathcote to attend with a purchase of Hilgi the Heathcote Garden Cat. A portion of proceeds of every books is used to tend to our Heathcote cats. After the reading guests are welcome to wander the gardens.
Make plans to join us on Saturday November 8th and be part of this heartwarming celebration of love, nature, and friendship.
You may be privileged while here to come across one of our Garden cats: Bob, Jackie or our newest and youngest member Tigger. (Please note Tigger is a very young and we are in the process of acclimating him to humans so while he is curious please respect his boundaries. Tigger is currently being trained to become a therapy cat in the gardens. )
