Adventure awaits in the 50 beautiful acres of Leu Gardens, located in The City Beautiful just a few minutes outside the exciting Downtown Orlando area.
It is a must-see for visitors and locals alike, always blooming with stunning plants and flowers, and including over 40 different collections of botanicals. Explore a garden with the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest, Florida's largest formal rose garden, a butterfly garden, and so much more.
For locals, a trip to Leu Gardens can also help inspire and educate about creating their own garden oasis right at home. Here's a closer look at Orlando's Leu Gardens, the activities to enjoy, and what it means to locals in the area who are looking to bring a garden to their home:
Exploring Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens offer many activities throughout the vast 50-acre oasis in Orlando's Audubon Park community. Wander through the wide variety of gardens, including a vegetable garden, herb garden, butterfly garden, rose garden, and more.
Stroll among the flowering plants, bromeliads, camellias, and under the stretching branches of the camphor and oak trees. One of the garden's most impressive collections is of the camellia flower. In fact, it's the largest documented collection in Eastern North America.
You can also find a number of sculptures throughout the gardens, along with permanent and rotating art exhibits in the Garden House Welcome Center, including works by world-renowned horticulturalist, Mulford B. Foster, and Frank Farmer's 'Flowers For Janette' piece to name a few.
Leu Gardens is also loved locally for the many events it hosts throughout the year, such as enchanted movie nights under the stars, storytime for children, musical concerts, gardening classes, and even weddings.
Starting August 1st- October 31st, 2020, Leu Gardens is presenting The Enchanted Fairy Doors exhibit featuring twenty, one-of-a-kind, whimsical fairy doors throughout the gardens. There is so much to enjoy and explore among the gorgeous garden backdrop.
Part of the allure of Leu Gardens is the historical charm remnant from the garden's origins. A visit to Leu Gardens is also a visit to a inspirational piece of history in Orlando.
The Story of The Gardens
In 1961, Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane donated their home to the City of Orlando, along with the surrounding gardens. They were avid travelers who brought back seeds and plants from the many places they visited for their garden.
The restored 19th century home on the property, now known as the Leu House Museum, was purchased in 1936 by the Leu family. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Place and is a display of 'turn-of-the-century Florida living' for those visiting the gardens.
It's stated that the camellias collection was Mr. Leu's favorite, and it consists of over 200 varieties. Visit from mid-October through March to see this collection blooming!
Just as Leu Gardens started from The Leu's love for creating the gardens at their home, the oasis today now inspires other Orlando locals to create beautiful outdoor spaces at their own Orlando homes:
How a Trip to Leu Gardens can Inspire Your Own Home
Harry P. Leu Gardens created and shared a sanctuary of beauty for visitors. Today, it also provides a loved community staple for those who live nearby.
It provides a gorgeous walking path through peaceful nature, along with benches and spots to sit and enjoy the relaxing views. Locals also enjoy the gardens because of the opportunities it brings to the community. From local events to learning resources and a relaxing retreat right within the community, Leu Gardens is part of what makes this area such a great place to call home.
The garden can help teach local homeowners about how to make their very own garden retreat at their local homes, as it demonstrates plants that are suitable for 'USDA Zone 9b.' Central Florida offers a unique climate that allows for a wide variety of plants, and Leu Gardens is a great place for homeowners to get inspired about what will do well and what they'd like to have in their own yards nearby.
There are garden signs throughout to educate visitors on the variety of plant options and more information on the different collections to learn as you explore.
There are so many things to learn and do in this stunning local hotspot, including finding the information and inspiration for creating your very own piece of the gardens at home.
The gardens are open 9am - 5 pm daily, with the last admission at 4:30 pm. Adult admission is $10, children ages 4-17 are $5, and children under 3 are free. There are also opportunities to become a member of the gardens for a number of benefits!
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Source:
https://www.leugardens.org
