A Day at Leu Gardens

During my prolonged visit with family this summer, today I was exposed to the incredible diversity and extravagance of tropicals when my niece, nephew and I visited the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, FL. Leu Gardens showcases plants suitable for cultivation in USDA Zone 9b,  a zone I am completely unfamiliar with, hailing from northern climes.

Harry P. Leu, a successful businessman and his wife, Mary Jane, purchased the property in 1936. The Leus traveled extensively and brought back plants and seeds for their garden. The Leus deeded the house and the gardens to the city of Orlando in 1961.

I include below some photos I took as we meandered. We barely scratched the surface of all there is to see there because it is, after all, July in Central Florida and the heat became daunting. Tropicals are an altogether different adventure when it comes their species and sub-species. Wildly colorful, succulent and bizarre, they make their own statement.

I have not attempted to identify them for fear that I would become overwhelmed and then not post them. Enjoy the adventure!