It is a delightful place that appeals to all those who have an appreciation of plants and flowers, be it the horticultural professional or the keen amateur gardener.

The climate in central Florida is conducive to growing a vast array of tropical and temperate varieties that allow an abundance of all year round displays. However, the scorching summer heat and mild winters means that many native American plants, common in suburban gardens further north, would be unable to survive in this environment.

After Harry P Leu bought the site from a local citrus entrepreneur back in the 1930s he spent a number of years travelling the world to bring back some of the exotic plants that are on view today. Discover palms, cycads, azaleas and orchids. Enjoy the sight of those annual favourites including seventy-five varieties of wonderfully scented roses and the world’s largest collection of camellias numbering over two thousand specimens.

When to visit is very much down to personal preference, as there is always something in bloom. The camellias, shaded from the harsh Florida sun by varieties of oak, elm and camphor trees, are in flower between November and March but they are considered to be at their best during the winter months of January and February.

Don’t miss the azaleas, red maple, japonica and amaryllis, to name but a few of the enormous varieties that are also in bloom at the same time of year.

The rose garden, which is very much the centrepiece attraction, looks a picture from April through to November but to see it at its perfect best, visit during the winter (December and January), spring (April and May) or during the fall (September and October).

Irrespective of the time of your visit Leu Gardens will showcase a range of seasonal displays, which include some magical winter blooming annuals as well as more drought tolerant varieties during the summer.

This really is a horticultural paradise at any time of year, and being located so close to the downtown Orlando why not take a couple of hours out to enjoy Harry P Leu’s stunning creation.