The Leu Gardens were bequeathed to the City of Orlando in 1961. In addition to 50 acres of gardens, the site includes the Leu House Museum. Marjory and I visited during February, 2014.
Harry P. Leu owned a successful industrial supply company. In 1936, he purchased the property fronting Lake Rowena. The house on the property was first constructed in the latter part of the 1800s, with Leu later becoming the fourth owner.
Harry and his wife Mary Jane traveled extensively and brought back plants, cuttings, and seeds from all over the world. This is evidenced by the many tropical and sub-tropical gardens across the acreage. There are pathways, gazebos, fountains, and rain shelters throughout.
The Leu Garden is particularly well known for its camellias, some of which were in bloom. The trumpet trees were also flowering. Perhaps because we were there in mid-winter, the garden beds did not seem particularly well tended.
The house was expanded several times over the years, but the main rooms has been restored to their turn of the century appearance. Other areas, including the kitchen and bathrooms, have an Art-Deco motif. While the house is not spectacular in any way, its docent-led tour provides an interesting and accurate glimpse of living in old Florida. Well worth the 25 minutes.
Overall, our visit to the Harry P. Leu Gardens was a pleasant one – a relaxing morning but with tired legs at the end.
Harry P. Leu owned a successful industrial supply company. In 1936, he purchased the property fronting Lake Rowena. The house on the property was first constructed in the latter part of the 1800s, with Leu later becoming the fourth owner.
Harry and his wife Mary Jane traveled extensively and brought back plants, cuttings, and seeds from all over the world. This is evidenced by the many tropical and sub-tropical gardens across the acreage. There are pathways, gazebos, fountains, and rain shelters throughout.
The Leu Garden is particularly well known for its camellias, some of which were in bloom. The trumpet trees were also flowering. Perhaps because we were there in mid-winter, the garden beds did not seem particularly well tended.
The house was expanded several times over the years, but the main rooms has been restored to their turn of the century appearance. Other areas, including the kitchen and bathrooms, have an Art-Deco motif. While the house is not spectacular in any way, its docent-led tour provides an interesting and accurate glimpse of living in old Florida. Well worth the 25 minutes.
Overall, our visit to the Harry P. Leu Gardens was a pleasant one – a relaxing morning but with tired legs at the end.
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