The traditional Heathcote Bear offers Garden of Lights guests a chance to gather together, wiggle, jingle and jangle for a complimentary Polar-themed photo opportunity.
A rainbow hued tunnel wrapped with strands of bright lights serves as a grand entryway to the Garden of Lights exhibit.
the beginning of October," said Judy. "By November, we are working most days. It's an incredible amount of volunteer hours." Gradually, Heathcote's dream team of illuminators has expanded from a dedicated group of eight to a dozen or more artistic participants. Their annual efforts include devising display designs from scratch as well as analyzing photos of existing light show elements to figure out how to create them. Light strings are zip tied to bamboo or wire templates. Almost all the displayed pieces at Garden of Lights are painstakingly crafted by the plucky illuminator crew. A rainbow-colored tunnel wrapped with strands of bright lights serves as a grand entryway to the family-friendly gardens. As you stroll on lighted walkways, you can expect to see bursts of vibrant color, butterflies, bees, and floral displays fashioned from recycled materials. Fortunately for everyone, most paths throughout the light show are ADA accessible. The gingerbread cookie house with a gum drop walkway and perky flower pot appeals to youthful visitors, as does the model train set, repeatedly choo-chooing around its track. You know for certain you are in Florida when iconic
pink flamingos, a neon pelican, crab, jellyfish, and palm trees appear here and there at a holiday light show. Birdwatchers and beachcombers are never disappointed at the Garden of Lights. One of the exhibit's most striking individual displays is a towering multi-colored Christmas tree constructed entirely of tropical bromeliad plants arranged side by side and bottom to top in a conical shape. Most garden visitors agree that the shimmering blue lake scene with cascading fountain, waterfall, and strutting peacock is the show's centerpiece. A graceful egret and full-bodied Florida alligator will be added to the crowd- pleasing waterfront display in 2021. Even the historically accurate Pioneer House is decked out with colorful lights and merry décor during the annual holiday event. The local Fort Pierce Garden Club takes responsibility for decorating the rough-hewn wooden home as well as the white two-story Heathcote House, a circa 1922 residence that was relocated to the gardens in 1972 to serve as home sweet home for the original plant nursery owners. A few years ago, Tom Salmon's quirky sense of humor led to the inclusion of a prominent light show character positioned in the Bonsai Pavilion. Tom's grinning
HEATHCOTE BOTANICAL GARDENS
COAST TO COAST FALL MAGAZINE 2021
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