Leu Gardens is a lush, 50-acre oasis tucked into the heart of Orlando, offering a peaceful retreat into nature’s beauty. Donated to the city in 1961 by Harry P. Leu and his wife Mary Jane, the gardens surround a beautifully preserved historic home, the Leu House Museum. Whether you're into tropical plants, history, or just a relaxing stroll through scenic landscapes, this is a destination not to be missed.

Recommended For

Leu Gardens makes a great outing for:

  • Garden Lovers: Explore 50 acres filled with 12,000+ plants and stunning seasonal blooms.
  • History Buffs: Step inside a restored turn-of-the-century home with deep Central Florida roots.
  • Families & Educators: Participate in engaging kids’ programming and hands-on workshops.
  • Art & Nature Fans: Admire botanical-inspired art and sculptures placed throughout the grounds.

Leu House Museum & History

The Leu House Museum tells the fascinating story of the property’s evolution through the years:

  • Originally settled by the Mizelle family in 1858, who grew cotton, sugar cane, and corn.
  • Later owned by Duncan Pell and Helen Gardner, the first woman to own a film production company.
  • The Woodward family turned it into their summer home, naming it LaBelle.
  • In 1936, Harry P. Leu and Mary Jane Leu moved in and began cultivating the now-famous gardens.

Educational Opportunities

Leu Gardens offers robust educational programming for all ages and interests:

  • Docent-led tours of the house and gardens
  • Programs for children (Pre-K to 12) and Scout groups
  • Monthly society meetings, including:
    • Central Florida Orchid Society
    • Orlando Area Historical Rose Society
    • Ikebana International Chapter 132
  • Hands-on workshops covering topics like honey tasting, orchid breeding, and garden design

Leu Museum Exhibitions

Art and horticulture meet inside the museum and throughout the gardens:

  • Works by M. B. Foster, Frank Farmer, and Chrissie Mervine
  • Eight original oil paintings by naturalist M. B. Foster, who discovered the Aechmea orlandiana
  • Outdoor sculptures add character and whimsy to the garden landscape

What You’ll Find in the Gardens

Leu Gardens features 29 themed sections showcasing a vast array of plant life:

  • Vines, palms, philodendrons, and more
  • QR codes at each exhibit offer detailed information for curious minds

Rare & Unique Plant Collections

  • Banana Collection: Featuring rare flavors like vanilla ice cream and peanut butter
  • Bromeliads: Bright, colorful varieties growing on both ground and trees, some featured in M. B. Foster’s artwork
  • Bamboo Collection: Rare species rarely seen in other botanical gardens
  • Cycad Collection: Fifty ancient plant varieties that date back to the time of dinosaurs
  • Citrus Grove: A tribute to the Leu family, with over 50 citrus trees on display

Wildlife Encounters

Leu Gardens is also home to a variety of pollinators and small wildlife:

  • Butterflies frequent the flowering plants, attracting hummingbirds and moths

Contact & Location

  • Address: 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
  • Phone: 407-246-2620

Tip: Bring a camera and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll want to wander the full 50 acres of beauty at your own pace.

Plan Your Trip