Harry P. Leu Gardens
|
Mizell-Leu House Historic District
|
|
 |
|
 
|
|
| Location | Orlando, Florida |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28°34′2.58″N 81°21′26.36″W / 28.5673833°N 81.3573222°WCoordinates: 28°34′2.58″N 81°21′26.36″W / 28.5673833°N 81.3573222°W |
| Area | 15 acres (61,000 m2) |
| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | John T. Mizell |
| NRHP Reference # | 94001495 |
| Added to NRHP | December 29, 1994 |
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are semi-tropical and tropical gardens in Orlando, Florida, United States. The gardens contain nearly 50 acres (200,000 m2) of landscaped grounds and lakes, with meandering trails shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. They are open to the public. The address is 1920 North Forest Avenue Orlando, FL 32803.
A 15-acre (61,000 m2) section of the park is a U.S. historic district. As such, it is known as the Mizell-Leu House Historic District (or Leu Botanical Gardens and Leu House Museum). It received that designation on December 29, 1994. According to the National Register of Historic Places, it contains 3 historic buildings.
The land on which the Gardens were developed consists mostly of excessively drained, rapidly to very rapidly permeable sand which in its natural state has several inches of dark gray topsoil over about 5 feet of yellow subsoil (Candler soil series). Human alteration of the soil has resulted in 40% of the Gardens being classified as Urban Land, not assigned to an official soil series. Naturally moist soils are occasionally found.
The Leu Gardens were started by Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu, who in 1936 purchased Leu House and 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land. The Leus traveled all over the world and brought back many exotic plants and many varieties (240) of camellias for their gardens. In 1961, the Leus deeded the house and the gardens to the city of Orlando.
At the heart of the Gardens is Harry and Mary Jane Leu’s home, known as the Leu House Museum, which has been meticulously restored and is on the National Historical Register. Guided tours of the Leu House, illustrating turn-of-the century Florida living, are available on the hour and the half-hour (times subject to change).
Leu Gardens is located in USDA climate zone 9b. The mild subtropical climate allows for an interesting mix of temperate and tropical plants to be grown. The gardens are known for their extensive collections of aroids, azaleas, bamboo, bananas, bromeliads, camellias, citrus, conifers, crepe myrtles, cycads, ferns, flowering shrubs, flowering trees, gingers, heliconias, hibiscus and mallows,magnolias, ornamental grasses, palms,perennials, roses, trees, and vines.
Annual Garden: This is one of the most colorful areas in Leu Gardens. This area displays more than 7,000 annuals, perennials, and shrubs suited to the Central Florida growing season. Plants in this area are often changed every 4 months.
...
Wikipedia