With over 50 acres of gardens, Harry P. Leu Gardens schedules an exciting line-up of entertaining events throughout the year.
“Our mission is to provide a cultural venue that promotes the awareness and understanding of plants, the environment and the garden’s history,” the Harry P. Leu Gardens guest guide states.
The garden offers Jazz’n Blues concerts, movie projections, plant sales and various classes. Additionally, Leu Gardens hosts 400 weddings per year and rents rooms for birthdays, anniversaries and memorials.
On Saturday, Oct. 15, The Betty Fox Band, Matt Sams Band and Robert Harris perform live throughout the garden from 7-10 p.m. at the Jazz ‘n Blues concert. Admission costs $20, advanced tickets $15 and member advanced tickets $11. Sugarbuzz Dezert Company will offer onsite desserts and locally roasted coffee.
At the beginning of every month, Leu Gardens projects an outdoor movie. Admission cost $6 per adult and $3 per child; members are free. This month’s movie, Dial M for Murder, an Alfred Hitchcock classic, will show Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. Proper preparation for the event includes packing a blanket, chairs or a picnic. Curbies Sidewalk Cafe and Peak Season Pops food trucks offer onsite sales for the event. Next month’s movie, Me Before You, Jojo Moyes book will show Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m.
For guests who have an interest in learning the historical aspect of the property, half-hour house tours begin at 10 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Additionally, guests can choose a self-directed or docent-led tour of the gardens.
For someone in search of a variety of activities Leu Gardens provides classes, like basket weaving and taking care of one’s own garden. Information for upcoming classes is located on Leu Gardens website.
With a wide range of flowers, plants, trees and bushes categorized into their own displays. Some displays include a butterfly garden. An idea garden which exhibits ideas on how to setup the layout of a garden at home. A rose garden which contains over 215 varieties of roses and a tropical garden which contains tropical and subtropical plants.
Leu Gardens offers memberships that include free or reduced admission to activities, special events and entering the garden on an average day. A senior (age 60+) membership costs $35. An individual membership costs $40. Both permit one adult admission, two guest day-passes and 10 percent off gift shop purchases. A household membership costs $50. It permits two adult admissions, four guest day-passes and 10 percent off gift shop purchases. Admission, without membership, costs $10 for adults and $3 for children grades K-12.
Leu Garden’s adds an outside and historical experience to Central Florida, with a beautiful appeal. It is a good place to visit to get a way from the typical theme park Orlando.
The Hilights
Who: Harry P. Leu Gardens
What: Botanical garden
Where: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
When: opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.