Floridata's Gallery of Gardens is happy to provide this brief introduction to Orlando's Harry P. Leu Gardens. In addition to providing a peek at the garden, we hope to inspire you to visit, become a member, and perhaps even a volunteer. At the end of this page, we provide the link to the garden's own web site, so that you can get the particulars including hours of operation, fees and schedule of events.

Welcome!
Passing through the garden's iron-gated entrance you are greeted at Garden House (photo at left). This graceful plantation style structure houses the garden's business offices and gift shop and serves as the main entrance to the gardens. Before proceeding to the garden proper, check out Garden House's expansive back lawn with its vista of Lake Rowena (that's US 92/17 and the Orlando Science Center on the far side).

History
The property was originally settled by the Mizell family in the late 1850's with the orginal house contructed shortly thereafter. Passing through a couple of owners early in the century, the property was eventually acquired by Harry P. Leu in 1936. A successful, self-made businessman, he lived there with his wife and together they developed portions of the garden over a 25 year period. In 1961 Mr. Leu donated the property to the city of Orlando for public use. A local landscape architect, Thomas Wallis Jr., was contracted in 1965 to create a five year development plan for the garden. This plan included the design and construction of miles of paved walkways, new plantings and public facilities. The city officially dedicated the Harry P. Leu Gardens on March 8, 1970. The house has been restored and furnished with period items - tours are conducted periodically throughout the day.

What You'll See
In addition to the Leu Home Museum (above photo), you can spend hours enoying the Gardens, composed of over twenty areas each sharing a common motif or theme characterized by the kinds of plants or design or architectural feature. The gardens are connected by a handicap accessible network of hard-paved paths that make for easy strolling.

Cottage Garden
A variety of perennials and annuals combine to form the Cottage Garden which also features a butterfly garden. This is a great place to learn which plants will do well in your Central Florida garden.

Floral Clock
The Floral Clock (photo at left) was donated to the gardens in 1976 by the Kiwanis. The clock's face, composed of seasonal plantings, changes with time!

Native Plant Garden
This area showcases many of Florida's native plant species - bring your notebook and get some ideas for creating your own low-maintenance landscapes.

Palm Garden
Features a variety of palms and cycads in a compact area, including some rare and unusual specimens. Dozens of palm species are being tested for cold hardiness and suitability for use Central Florida landscapes.

Ravine Garden
A small stream trickles and cascades through the Ravine Garden creating a warm , sheltered environment. You'll find palms, ferns, heliconias, gingers and many other tropical species in this "mini-jungle" area.