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.

However there is a lot more to see, and Leu cleverly designed the gardens into separate zones to maximise their impact on the visitor.

On arrival a path leads to the Tropical Stream Garden, which was completed in the year 2000. Follow the meandering stream down to the shore of Lake Rowenta and marvel at lush vegetation and babbling natural spring. Here Harry P Leu has created a garden with the look and feel of the tropics with plantings of banana, ginger, tree ferns, and palms to name but a few.

The Wetland Garden and Wycoff Overlook on Lake Rowenta was replanted with native aquatic plants around ten years ago. Today it is teeming with all sorts of wildlife including wading birds, dragonflies, turtles, and even the occasional alligator.

From the boardwalk the visitor will come across not only native Florida aquatic plants but also water lilies and lakeshore mangrove.

For the amateur gardener there are two zones dedicated to plants native to Florida.

The Home Demonstration Garden showcases different plant groups including annual and perennial flowers, vines, ground covers, fragrant flowers, ornamental grasses and textured plants. For those short of space the Urban Patio Garden features tub plants and vines that can thrive in courtyard settings.

Then there is the Bird Garden with plants that attract a range of migratory and native birds including the Florida Scrub Jay and Hummingbird.

The Butterfly Garden is planted with flowers and plants that supply nectar and attract many different types of butterfly.

Additionally there is the Enabling Garden, which features a variety of plants on raised beds ideal for wheelchair users and the Evening Garden is full of highly scented flowers and herbs in pale hues which stimulate the senses.

There also separate sections for vegetables, wildflowers, grasses and herbs.

In summary Harry P Leu has created a horticultural masterpiece so diverse that it is guaranteed to attract all types of garden lover from all over the world.

A visit is highly recommended.