Spring makes her grand entrance this month in every aspect of life. Her volatile nature is witnessed everywhere, including in us. Smelling the air and hearing the stir of birds and bees, I set out for a spring adventure to Nantonio’s Harmony Gardens in Hilliard.
The drive between Callahan and Hilliard winds through working farmland, a nice change from big box stores and traffic lights. After clearing Callahan, I pulled my hair back and dropped the windows for some fresh air. Nantonio’s is a seasonal neighborhood nursery and landscape garden. Nancy Beggs, a veteran, widow, and retired FAA air traffic controller, moved to Hilliard from Fernandina Beach in 2005. Being closer to her work allowed her time for gardening, where she decided to build a memorial garden in honor of her late husband. With the help of a landscape architect, the two plus-acre plot became a lovely private garden.
The landscaper who had been helping her eventually closed his business and introduced Nancy to Antonio. The two hit it off and continued the garden projects. Included on the local garden club tours, her garden had many visitors, and one suggested she open a nursery. That statement in 2015 charted the course for Nantonio’s Harmony Gardens, the same year that Nancy married Antonio.
On my arrival, I immediately loved the feeling of being in a real working landscape garden, a “gardener’s dream” nursery. Nancy was happy to show me around and let me know how things work there. Over 400 specimens have been planted over the course of several years. You can see trees and shrubs at one year, two years, three years growth, and beyond.
This living garden shows the year-to-year growth of the plants, helping buyers to decide whether to buy a particular tree, shrub, or plant. Nancy invited me to roam around and enjoy the property. It was then I realized how large the place is and the substantial number of trees and shrubs they stock. Most of Nantonio’s plants are seeded and grown outdoors on the property, climatizing them to the North Florida weather.
As I walked down the dirt path under a canopy of oaks, I heard a deep tone coming from huge chimes hanging in the trees. I had to pause there momentarily and let the sound resonate through me. It was so peaceful, one of those healing moments. I placed the chimes on a list of must-haves for my own garden. Antonio and Nancy know the healing power of a garden and graciously share their wonderfully serene and healing space with all who care to make the journey to Hilliard.
Hundreds of planted perennials are usually up and showing off by mid-April. If you are garden ready or you need a bit of healing that only a garden can do, take time for a visit.
Nantonio’s is 13 miles north on US 1 from the intersection of A1A in Callahan, then left onto Andrews Road. After the turn, you’ll see the sign and the driveway on your right. Parking is limited and weekends are busy. Arrangements must be made in advance to visit during the week.
Posted hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from March through October. Go meet these wonderful, helpful neighbors, Nancy Beggs and Antonio Serrano, and their merry band of gardeners. Nantonio’s Harmony Gardens is located at 173100 Andrews Road in Hilliard. For more information, call (904) 206-3027.