The 50 acre Harry P Leu Gardens popped up at the top of my search list of things to do near Orlando. I'm so glad I decided to go on this adventure. These gardens are simply gorgeous! I spent the morning wandering through the trails, taking my time, enjoying the tropical and native gardens planted by the fourth owners of the property, Harry and Mary Jane Leu. Harry was a local businessman who married his secretary late in life. They had no children but they loved Camellias so they planted 240 varieties here. The camellias are currently in bloom. I took a free tour of the turn-of-the-century Leu House Museum located in the center of the gardens. It is tastefully furnished with original and donated antiques. The tour guide gave a great history of the home and shared a lot of information about the furnishings.
In 1961, the Leu's donated the house and gardens to the City of Orlando who now maintain it as a park. They are willing to share cuttings and seeds with visitors, but by appointment only. How cool is that!
The gardens were filled with people, like me, meandering through the paths at their own pace. As I was walking through the butterfly garden, I saw a dad with a small child sitting on a bench. The little cherub looked up at me with a toothy grin then blew me a kiss! I laughed loudly and blew a kiss back. The dad said, "Yeah, she's good about those kisses!" This small gesture made my day even more wonderful!
This was my favorite mini-adventure during my time in Orlando. They charge $10 admission and it was well worth the cost. I highly recommend a visit!
In 1961, the Leu's donated the house and gardens to the City of Orlando who now maintain it as a park. They are willing to share cuttings and seeds with visitors, but by appointment only. How cool is that!
The gardens were filled with people, like me, meandering through the paths at their own pace. As I was walking through the butterfly garden, I saw a dad with a small child sitting on a bench. The little cherub looked up at me with a toothy grin then blew me a kiss! I laughed loudly and blew a kiss back. The dad said, "Yeah, she's good about those kisses!" This small gesture made my day even more wonderful!
This was my favorite mini-adventure during my time in Orlando. They charge $10 admission and it was well worth the cost. I highly recommend a visit!
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| View of Lake Rowena ~ Harry P Leu Gardens |
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| Spanish moss covered trees |
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| More Spanish Moss |
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| Light through the Spanish Moss |
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| Banyan Tree |
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| Palm |
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| Mary Jane's Rose Garden |
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| Dew on Rose |
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| Pink Rose |
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| Rose Garden |
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| Rose Garden |
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| Horseshoe Fountain |
The Leu House
More Gardens
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| The Floral Clock |
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| The Floral Clock |
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| Lichen |
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| Purple Azalea |
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| White Azalea |
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| Camellia |
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| Camellia bud |
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| The Wedding Circle |
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| Bamboo |
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| Bamboo |
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| Bamboo |
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| Camellia |
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| Petticoat Palm |
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| Bee on White Camellia |
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| Gazebo |
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| Weather Vane |
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| Trellis in the White Garden |
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| Orchid |
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| White Garden Bench |
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| White Camellia |
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| Trellis |
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| Trellis Cupela |
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| Bismarck Palm |
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| Ruffled Fan Palm |
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| Tropical Flower |
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| Dwarf Pink Powderpuff Tree |
So, so lovely! Thank you for taking such beautiful photos and sharing them. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you leemikcee! Now that we are in the South you'll have to start planning a visit! So much to see and do!
ReplyDelete