Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida

Leu Gardens. 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, Florida
Leu Gardens
Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed Christmas)

This post was originally shared on July 5, 2018. I have updated it with current information. Photos were taken over several seasons.

The next time you visit Central Florida and the Orlando area, take a day to visit beautiful Leu Gardens.  The gardens are an amazing 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from Downtown Orlando. Each garden is designed specifically to further the mission: inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. The garden and historical home were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane.  Admission is a reasonable $15 for adults, $10 for children 4 – 17, and free for children 3 and under. You can purchase admission tickets online. The following first Mondays will be Free Admission days at Leu Gardens:  July 4, 2022 – August 1, 2022 – September 5, 2022 – October 3, 2022.

Read More

Fairchild Tropical Gardens

This post was orginally posted on 3/7/2019. I’m re-sharing it today as I love the beautiful Fairchild Botanic Tropical Garden in South Florida.

Fairchild Botanic Tropical Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156 

Fairchild is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. We are one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. Currently Fairchild has field programs in over 20 countries including support to protected areas in Madagascar and Africa and botanic garden development and renovation projects in South and Central America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

 

For many years I lived in South Florida. I moved to greater Miami back 40 years ago.  Later I moved slightly north to the greater Ft. Lauderdale area.  I have many friends in Dade County, Broward County and even just north to Palm Beach County and love visiting my favorite spots when I come back. Read More

How to Grow Zinnias, The Butterfly Magnets

 Zinnias, Annual Flower

Growing Zones USA  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

A warm-season annual flower, zinnias like full sun and rich, well-drained soil. 

 

Have you made plans for your  2020 garden? Now is the perfect time to consider what you like and don’t like about your garden.  You can use my garden planning printables to make changes to your landscape and choose plants to add to your garden. For a colorful flower to add to your butterfly garden or classic cutting garden, you can’t go wrong with adding zinnias. Zinnias are popular garden flowers because they come in a wide range of flower colors and shapes, and they can withstand hot summer temperatures and are easy to grow from seeds. They are also highly attractive to songbirds, butterflies and pollinators.
Read More