Nature Coast Botanical Gardens in spring bloom

"We have the reputation of being the best-kept secret of Hernando County and we would like for people to take advantage of the events we have here," says Shirley Jacques, a Spring Hill Garden Club member since 2001. "It's a beautiful and lovely place." On Sunday, the Spring Hill Garden Club is sponsoring an Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m. for children ages 1 to 10 with a $1 per child donation at the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Nursery. Children will be divided into groups according to age. Funds that are donated from the Easter egg hunt will help maintain the Spring Hill landmark waterfall at the corner of Spring Hill Drive and U.S. 19 (Commercial Way). The Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Nursery, established by the Spring Hill Garden Club during its infancy in 1994, has expanded to 4.5 acres. Approximately 21 themed sections and an array of native and tropical plants are featured. About 65 volunteers contribute more than 200 hours a week to manage the gardens. The Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Nursery is open seven days a week and admission is free. For more information, visit naturecoastgardens.com or call (352) 683-9933.