FORT PIERCE — If you are looking for somewhere nearby to enjoy the beauty of nature, Heathcote Botanical Gardens might be just the place. Boasting not just one garden, but many, Heathcote is home to  a Japanese Garden, Reflection Garden, Herb Garden, Rainforest Display, Native Plants Garden, Secret Garden and a Palm & Cycad Walk.  According to the website Heathcote, the gardens are located in Zone 10 for plant hardiness.

Begun as a plant nursery in New York, Heathcote grew to become a must-see attraction is south-central Florida.

Most of the plants growing at Heathcote are labeled, and the website explains one of the reasons for this is to help home gardeners identify plants growing in their own yards. Not only is Heathcote home to plants native to Florida, but it is host to many exotic plants as well.

Guests can walk around by themselves, enjoying the beauty, or they can take a guided tour.

There are many events scheduled in the gardens throughout the year, including a Garden of Lights in the fall. Art workshops are held periodically, and the new schedule will be out soon. Each Thursday between noon and 1 p.m., guests can enjoy Music in the Gardens. Other attractions are the Bonsai Collection Tour, The Bonsai Clinic with the Bonsai curator and more.

The gardens can even be rented for weddings and other special occasions.

The cost of admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $3 for children between 6 and 12. They offer free admission for veterans and retired and active first responders. They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Botanical Gardens is also pet friendly, and leashed dogs are welcome as long as they are well-behaved.

Owned and operated by a non-profit organization, Heathcote is located in Fort Pierce at 210 Savannah Road. For more information, email info@heathcotebg.org.