Entering the shady tree canopied path by the Tropical Stream Garden at Leu Gardens, I was drawn into the quiet and peacefulness of the garden and couldn’t help reflecting upon how unique each botanical garden is.

I long wanted to visit Leu Gardens (www.leugardens.org) in Orlando just 30 minutes or so from Disneyworld. The drive there is under two hours from our house so it’s a perfect day journey. Consequently when my husband asked what I wanted to do on Sunday, I knew exactly what. We got up early, headed north up Rte. 1, took a left turn heading west in Melbourne, and straight on to Orlando. Unfortunately, while it was a perfectly beautiful day albeit a tad hot, it was Mother’s Day! I wish I had paid more attention to that particular fact because the garden was crowded and we got the last spot in the overflow parking lot.

Many gardens have membership reciprocity so we did not have wait in line or pay. (This is great thing to know if you like to tour gardens.)

With peaceful Lake Rowena as a backdrop, the Garden House Welcome Center has a nice library, classrooms, a gift shop and is the permanent home for art and rotating exhibits.

Leu Gardens is about 50 acres of plants and trees that grow in subtropical USDA Zone 9b.They also have a picturesque rose garden with a gazebo, a 50’ floral clock, a vegetable and herb garden and an orchard. A tour of the Leu House Museum is included in admission with tours running every half hour and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are a lot of events happening; a children’s summer camp and outdoor movies. You can have your wedding there or just rent it for an event.

All in all, Leu Gardens has something for everyone and the gardens are interesting and inviting. It was fun watching the kids run around exploring and their squeals of joy when they discovered something exciting.

Hours: 9 am-5 pm everyday (except December 25). Monday is free admission day. You will not find much to eat here however.