Page 32 - 2019 01 BSF Magazine_v3

not only by students but also bonsai masters alike. His artistic ability to design classical and natural styles of
bonsai goes unchallenged. His foresight to see the artistic development in raw stock was magical.
In October 2009, Bonsai Master Jim Smith donated 100 of his finest bonsai to Heathcote Botanical Gardens on
the condition that they would be properly maintained, displayed and protected. Unlike a traditional bonsai
display lined up on benches with no competing scenery, Master Smith imagined a “Walk Through Bonsai” where
visitors could stroll the beautiful Heathcote Botanical Gardens and discover a unique bonsai tree at every turn.
The horticultural requirements of bonsai made
installing them into the existing gardens
impractical, and so a unique and original
garden was planned by Sam Comer of Hayslip
Landscape, with guidance from Master Smith
and Jim Van Landingham.
Master Smith pioneered the use of tropical
species such as Portulacaria afra, (the dwarf
leaf jade tree) as bonsai, and used many
Florida native species to interpret the ancient
art of bonsai. Sam Comer’s garden design and
the architectural contributions of Peter Moor
serve as a metaphor for Master Smith’s work.
Elements of a traditional Japanese Garden
(stone, gravel, limited landscape palette)
Ed Trout, Pedro Morales and Pat Giacobbe join Jim Smith at the
appear as rough native Florida plants and
grand opening of his display
building materials. “It’s where sushi meets
fried mullet!” says architect Peter Moor.
Using Landscape Architect Rodney Robinson’s master plan as guide, the new Bonsai Garden was placed on the
south east corner of the existing five-acre botanical garden. The 10,000 square foot area was originally were the
Crimmins’ family nursery received clients. During Heathcote’s early years, the Fort Pierce Orchid Society, the
Heathcote Herb Society, Eddie Eggers and
many dedicated volunteers built various
structures and garden features, including the
Herb House, Orchid House, and the Lib Tobey
Rainforest Memorial. The ravages of time,
tropical elements, and the twin hurricanes of
2004 damaged most of the structures beyond
repair.

A St. Lucie Tourist Development grant for
$148,720 was matched by a $100,000
anonymous contribution, and enough internal
resources to begin site work in August 2010.

The grand opening was in May 2011. Here are
some pictures from that day. Its’ nostalgic to
see the trees as they were on opening day. I
have very fond memories of Jim and his Visitors enjoying the display
nursery.

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