By: MaryAnn Ketcham
A sold-out crowd sat down to exquisitely appointed tables, each one set with unique, dainty china teapots and cups. The recent Tea in the Gardens event at Heathcote Botanical Gardens, a hidden treasure located on Savannah Rd. in Fort Pierce, brought together old friends and new ones for an afternoon of tea, scones, finger sandwiches, sweets, conversation, and an assortment of elegant hats!
The committee, comprised of Cris Adams, Melanie Wiles, Suzi James, Roselle Gordon, Judy Coffman, Robyn Hutchinson and Tara Scarpignato worked determinedly to ensure a memorable and festive occasion that also included fundraising with many silent auction items, a 50/50
raffle and a champagne raffle featuring a gold/sterling necklace provided by G. Alan’s Fine Jewelry as its prize.
Heathcote is a tourist attraction and destination in Fort Pierce that saw more than 28,000 visitors during the past year. The venue provided an intimate setting for the tea party on the beautiful patio. Attendees also experienced the allure of the gardens as they took the time to meander through the many ‘garden galleries’ on the lush Five- acre property.
While the adults enjoyed viewing the Reflection and the Japanese gardens, the rain forest, and the James K. Smith Bonsai Gallery, the largest public tropical Bonsai collection in the U.S., and the many other botanical areas, the youngsters played creatively in the Children’s Learning Landscape.
“We are one of the best-destinations on the Treasure Coast,” said Executive Director Joan Friedman. “We can open our garden for your special events needs I want Heathcote to be your exceptional garden for all your upcoming events and party planning needs.
Committee member Melanie Wiles explained the reason for her involvement with Heathcote. “I want to ensure that this gem remains here for my children and their future children to enjoy!”
For 36 years, Heathcote has fulfilled its mission: To educate and inspire by providing a place of botanical beauty and serving as a resource for conserving our environment. Heathcote Botanical Gardens is an amazing destination that needs to be shared with everyone you know!
To donate, volunteer, or discover upcoming classes and events, please visit HeathcoteBotanicalGardens.org
