Our Generation Florida

Orlando Blooms!

By Sandra Friend

In Central Florida, a delightful sign of winter’s wane is when azaleas burst into bloom. On residential streets in the downtown neighborhoods of Orlando and Winter Park, the displays of pinks and purples start in late January but are most spectacular throughout February, when a simple drive-by isn’t enough. As azaleas wane, the vivid greens of spring come into their own, making these locales a pleasant retreat.

HARRY P. LEU GARDENS http://www.leugardens.org

Fifty acres of lush formal gardens hug the shores of Lake Rowena in this city-owned showcase of botanical diversity. The center of it all is the Leu House, purchased by Harry and Mary Jane Leu in 1936 – and now a house museum – around which they developed their gardens. Bringing back plants from their worldwide travels, the Leus were on a mission to beautify Orlando and gave many cuttings away to friends and neighbors. Over time, they developed the largest camellia collection in the United States outside of California, and Florida’s largest formal rose garden. In 1961, the couple deeded their home and gardens to the City of Orlando, and it remains a botanical showcase. More than three miles of pathways wander through the park. Leu Gardens is open 9-5 daily with an admission of $7, which is waived on Monday mornings between 9 a.m. and noon. Located along the curve of Forest Avenue where it turns into Corrine Drive, at 1920 N. Forest Ave.

DICKSON AZALEA GARDEN www.cityoforlando.net/fpr/net/t_ParkRec.aspx?park=260

Established in the 1930s along the banks of Fern Creek, this deeply shaded linear park winds through a shady residential neighborhood. Mazy pathways, interesting bridges, and lush palms and ferns make the garden a pleasant destination any time of year, but right now is azalea time. Park at nearby Langford Park along E. Central Blvd, then cross the street to start this short but delightful walk. Open daily, free.

MEADGARDEN http://www.meadgarden.org

Established in 1937 by John H. Connery and Dr. Edwin G. Grover as a memorial to their friend and world-renowned horticulturalist Theodore L. Mead, this city of Winter Park preserve incorporates some of Mead’s original collections, including a greenhouse of his orchids. Nearly three miles of pathways wind through natural habitats enhanced with ornamental plantings, including the azaleas and impressive old camellias. Open daily, free. Located at the end of Garden Dr just off US 17/92 (S Orlando Ave) near the intersection with Orange Avenue in Winter Park; look for signs.

KRAFT AZALEA GARDENS http://www.ci.winter-park.fl.us/2005/depts/parks/kraftazalea.shtml

Along the shores of Lake Maitland, this 11-acre garden is a sea of color this time of year beneath majestic, ancient columns of cypress, their branches laden with thick draperies of Spanish moss. A Grecian-inspired monument provides an air of tranquility. Open daily, free. The park is along Alabama Dr off Palmer Ave, Winter Park, and can also be seen from the famous Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour http://www.scenicboattours.com

Author Sandra Friend http://www.sandrafriend.com is presently working on her 12^th guidebook to Florida, Exploring Florida’s Botanical Wonders. A member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she lives in Ocala.