Harry P. Leu Gardens, Botanical garden and museum in Orlando, United States
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a botanical garden in Orlando, Florida, set on a property of about 50 acres (20 hectares) along the shore of Lake Rowena. The grounds are divided into themed areas for roses, camellias, palms, tropical plants, and native Florida species, connected by paved and natural paths.
Harry P. Leu bought the property in the early 1900s and used it as a private estate, expanding the plant collections over several decades with specimens gathered during his travels. In 1961, he and his wife donated the land to the city of Orlando, which opened it to the public shortly after.
The rose garden is one of the most visited parts of the grounds and is often used as a backdrop for weddings and outdoor portraits. It blooms most fully in winter and early spring, which is the opposite of what many visitors from northern climates expect.
The grounds are largely flat and well signed, making it easy to explore on foot without a guide. Visiting in winter or early spring gives the best chance of seeing the camellia and rose collections in full bloom.
The garden holds one of the largest camellia collections in the southeastern United States, with some varieties that are rarely found in other public gardens. Many of these plants were brought back personally by Harry and Mary Jane Leu during trips through Asia and Europe.
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