Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
is one of our favorite inexpensive day trip ideas and is only 1-1.5 hours away from Tampa Bay. Go there to get away from city noise and find peace and serenity.
Here are some facts about the
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens:
Southern style gardens
feature three miles of paved scenic walkways
that take you though 50 acres of serene gardens.
Hours of operation: 9-5. Cost:
$7 per person, free on first Monday of every
month, $45 annual family membership (go to
www.leugardens.org
to verify)
Address: Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave.
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-246-2620
Rose garden, Camellia garden, Vegetable and Herb garden, Tropical garden and Citrus garden are some of the gardens you will find here.
The garden was founded in 1930s by Harry P. Leu, an
Orlando native and businessman who made his
fortune working his way up in an industrial
supply company and who along with his wife Mary
Jane Schmidli traveled the world and brought
many exotic plants and camellias back home.
Leu House Museum tours are offered.
View the rooms and original furnishings,
kitchen, and hear the life stories of people who
owned the garden over the years. 10-3:30 every
day, in 30 minute increments. The tours are about
20 minute long.
Other services
offered include facility rental for special
events and weddings, classes, library of
gardening literature, art exhibits and garden
gift shop.
