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