Divine Intervention

Throughout the seasons, Heathcote Botanical Gardens displays Florida’s diversity of native and ornamental plans. TARA SCARPIGNATO

Saved to bloom another day, Heathcote has been growing for four decades

BY ELLEN GILLETTE

When the Crimminses decided to sell their Heathcote Nursery property, local garden lovers sprang into action.
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In cultures around the world, the number 40 has sacred significance. In 2026, Heathcote Botanical Gardens gets to celebrate its own blessed 40 — as in, that’s how many years it’s been a cherished place to revere nature’s beauty and peace.

Forty years was something Heathcote’s founders could only dream of back when Gloria Moore, Jan Bals, Peggy Berg and others joined forces to save the property after owners Jim and Molly Crimmins announced the sale of their home and nursery. Without that effort, the property would likely have been plowed under to make way for an apartment complex or worse.

Bals credits Moore as the instigator. “She went to the county and city and appealed for help to save the nursery. People were enthused about the garden, but it was mostly Gloria’s direction and enthusiasm that made it happen. Not only with her vigor, but her knowledge of botany.”