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Harry P. Leu Gardens

Photo Credit: Orlando/Orange County CVB, Inc.

Flower power: the mystical ability of blossoms to calm and refresh. This natural energy invigorates visitors who come to the 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens, where over 1,000 roses of various types add to a palette that includes azaleas, bromeliads, orchids, aroids, daylilies, and camellias. The gardens even help Mother Nature keep on schedule with a 50-foot working floral clock.

The Gardens' namesake, Harry P. Leu, was known as Central Florida's version of Johnny Appleseed for his cultivating and giving away so many plants. Mr. Leu and his wife traveled the world, bringing back exotic plants to beautify their home and, by extension, Orlando. In 1961, they deeded their house and extensive gardens to the city for the public to enjoy.

Shade at Leu Gardens comes courtesy of such trees as camphors, elms, oaks, gingers, palms, bald cypresses, and bamboos. More than 100 different plants in the Butterfly Garden draw fluttering nectar-seekers year-round, while culinary and medicinal herbs make up the Herb Garden. Bananas, papaya, passion fruits, starfruits, mangos, and guavas thrive in the Tropical Stream Garden. Water lilies accent Lake Rowena, bounded on its shores by three native species of mangrove. Gardens visitors may spot wading birds, turtles, and an occasional alligator.

But not everything of interest at Leu Gardens was created by Mother Nature. Along with a boardwalk, gazebo, greenhouse, and paths, the site includes the Leu House Museum, a restored farmhouse from the 1880s and the Leus' former home. A small gift shop stocks unique gardening and plant-related merchandise, as well as books on gardening and local history.

Location
Leu Gardens is northeast of downtown Orlando at 1920 North Forest Avenue. Driving directions can be found at the Leu Gardens Web site.

Hours of operation
The gardens are open every day except Christmas, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Leu House Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tours are conducted every 30 minutes. The museum is closed on Christmas and during the month of July.

Admission

Adults	$4
Children (grades K-12)	$1

Children younger than kindergarten-age are admitted free. Admission is free for everyone (except tour groups) on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon, as well as on special occasions, such as free admission for mothers on Mother's Day.

Tour groups are charged $6 per person for a 90-minute guided tour of the gardens, or the two-hour tour of the gardens plus the Leu House Museum.

Contact information and reservations

• For general information, call (407) 246-2620.
• For guided tours, call the Education Department at (407) 246-3621. Tours must be arranged at least three weeks in advance.

Additional information

• Pets are not permitted in the Gardens.
• Educational classes at Leu Gardens focus on art, crafts, landscaping, horticulture, nature, and children's topics. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.
• Leu Gardens occasionally features special events, such as concerts, moonlight strolls, and flower shows.
• Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.