Tag: nature walks

Harry P. Leu Gardens Revisited

Harry P. Leu Gardens is one of my favorite spots for a nature walk in the Orlando area. Located at 1920 North Forest Avenue in Orlando, FL, this botanical oasis offers a delightful stroll through its fifty acres as well as a historical home. It’s the site for many weddings and was the model for Orchid Isle in my mystery novel, Shear Murder.

   

My favorite section is the Tropical Stream Garden with shady paths and tropical plants like in a rainforest. The sounds of a trickling brook follow you as you continue along toward Lake Rowena for scenic water views. Across the way in the photo below and on the left is the Orlando Science Center, a trip for another day.

     

As we continued along, we admired the flowering azaleas, camellias and other colorful blooms. The temperature was comfortable in the low seventies with sunny skies. We peered at the rose garden with a fountain at its center and bypassed the vegetable, herb and butterfly gardens that we’d seen on previous visits.

 

The Dinosaur Invasion exhibit was in force as were many children squealing with joy over the life-sized displays. The creatures are scattered around the park and look natural in their habitats.

The only thing missing from this park is a café. They have a gift shop with interesting garden-themed items but nowhere to buy a cool drink and a snack or to sit outside and view the gardens while eating lunch.

For more photos, visit my earlier post on Harry P. Leu Gardens.

Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando #Florida #parks Share on X

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Hatsume Fair

Hatsume Fair at Morikami Japanese Gardens

Yesterday we attended the 40th annual Hatsume Fair at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, FL. We’re members of this tranquil garden that also houses the open-air Cornell Café with its lovely view of the lake. Parking was diverted to fields to accommodate the thousands of visitors that attend this spring event.

fair tents

tents

We ate lunch first, figuring it would get crowded later. Then we strolled the paths to admire the colorful flowers, the lake views, and the serene stone gardens. We didn’t spot any of the resident iguanas this time but we did notice this fellow.

purple flowers white flowers

snake

lake view

Food booths vied with sake stations and beer gardens along with retail wares for sale under tents while visitors strolled by, many dressed in costume.

costumers guests in costume

sake station

There were martial arts and drumming demonstrations, plus talks on bonsai plants and painting. While this was all fun, especially the people watching, we prefer to come when it’s quiet and we can enjoy the gardens to escape from civilization if only for an hour or two. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by for a visit.

stone garden