Page 31 - 2019 01 BSF Magazine_v3

A Jewel in Fort Pierce - James J Smith Bonsai

Collection

By Dr Reggie Perdue

A few weeks ago, I was in a meeting and we brought up Heathcote Botanical Gardens and the James J. Smith
Bonsai Collection. There were folks who didn't know who Jim was or that there was a bonsai collection in Ft.
Pierce. I took it for granted that everyone knew of Jim and his accomplishments. Here’s some history and
information on Heathcote and the Bonsai Collection. Much of the info is off their web site and some of my
experiences.
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 1972 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.
At the heart of Heathcote is its historical house, now serving as
administrative offices.

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

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
Jan Bals, Laura Baker, Gloria Moore, Norma Axx, Peggy Berg

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.

James J. Smith (1925-2016) was noted as the gentleman of Jan Bals, Laura Baker, Gloria Moore, Norma
bonsai and is recognized as a world class Bonsai Master. His
Axx and Peggy Berg
knowledge of tropical and semi-tropical Bonsai is sought after

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