Harry P. Leu Gardens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Mizell-Leu House Historic District
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803 |
|---|---|
| Area | 15 acres (61,000 m2) |
| Built | 1858 |
| Architect | John T. Mizell |
| NRHP reference No. | 94001495 |
| Added to NRHP | December 29, 1994 |
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are beautiful semi-tropical and tropical gardens in Orlando, Florida. You can find them at 1920 North Forest Avenue. These gardens cover nearly 50 acres of amazing landscaped grounds and sparkling lakes.
Imagine walking on trails shaded by huge 200-year-old oak trees! You can also explore forests filled with lovely camellia flowers. The gardens are open for everyone to visit and enjoy.
A special 15-acre part of the park is called the Mizell-Leu House Historic District. This area was officially recognized as a historic district on December 29, 1994. It includes three important old buildings that tell stories of the past.
Contents
Discovering the History of Leu Gardens
How the Gardens Began
The Leu Gardens started thanks to a wonderful couple, Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu. They bought the Leu House and 40 acres of land in 1936. The Leus loved to travel all over the world. They brought back many unique and exotic plants for their gardens. They even collected an amazing 240 different types of camellias!
A Gift to the City
In 1961, the Leus made a very generous decision. They gave their beautiful house and gardens to the City of Orlando. This gift meant that everyone could enjoy the beauty they had created. Mr. Leu passed away in 1977, but his amazing legacy lives on in these gardens.
Exploring the Leu House Museum
The Heart of the Gardens
At the very center of the gardens is the home of Harry and Mary Jane Leu. This house is now known as the Leu House Museum. It has been carefully restored to look just as it did long ago. The museum is also listed on the National Historical Register.
Step Back in Time
You can take a guided tour of the Leu House Museum. These tours show you what Florida living was like at the turn of the century. It's like stepping back in time to see how people lived many years ago! Tours are usually available every hour and half-hour.
Amazing Plants and Flowers
A World of Greenery
Leu Gardens is located in USDA climate zone 9b. This means it has a mild subtropical climate. This special climate allows many different kinds of plants to grow there. You can find both plants that like warm weather and those that prefer cooler temperatures.
Collections of Beautiful Plants
The gardens are famous for their huge collections of many plant types. You can see beautiful aroids, colorful azaleas, and tall bamboo. There are also bananas, bromeliads, and many kinds of camellias. Other plants include citrus trees, conifers, crepe myrtles, and cycads. You will also find ferns, flowering shrubs, and flowering trees. Don't forget the gingers, heliconias, hibiscus, magnolias, and ornamental grasses. There are also palms, perennials, roses, and various trees and vines. It's a true plant paradise!
Gallery
-
The Harry Leu House in Leu Gardens.
-
A plaque from the City of Orlando.
-
The unique Shaving Brush Tree.
-
A dragonfly resting on a plant in the garden.
-
A beautiful view of a part of the gardens.
.jpg)
Images for kids
-
A historical marker at the Leu Gardens.
See also
In Spanish: Jardines de Harry P. Leu para niños
