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.
