What you need to know:
- Harry P. Leu Gardens opened its new Edible Garden Thursday with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m.
- The garden features citrus, avocado, mango and papaya trees alongside blueberries, strawberries and seasonal vegetables.
- Legacy in Bloom, a months-long 65th anniversary celebration, begins Saturday with free admission all day.
- Events run through late April, including the 29th Annual Plant Sale, concerts and free admission days for teachers, seniors and first responders.
A new garden filled with fruit trees, berry bushes and seasonal vegetables opened Thursday at Harry P. Leu Gardens as the 50-acre Orlando landmark kicked off a celebration of its 65th anniversary.
Mayor Buddy Dyer and city commissioners cut the ribbon on the Edible Garden at 10:30 a.m. at the gardens’ property on North Forest Avenue. The opening launches Legacy in Bloom, an anniversary celebration running March 7 through May 31 with free admission days, concerts, a historical exhibit and community events.
What’s in the garden
The Edible Garden features a layered planting design inspired by natural forest systems, according to the city. Canopy fruit trees include citrus, avocado, mango and papaya. Below them, visitors will find blueberries and strawberries, perennial greens, seasonal vegetables and groundcovers that support soil health.
The space is designed to show how edible landscapes can be integrated into Florida yards in sustainable, water-wise ways. Routine public harvesting will not be permitted because the garden is an educational and display space, but produce will be used for programming, demonstrations and occasional guided harvesting experiences tied to classes and workshops, the city said.
The project was funded through the gardens’ operational budget as part of ongoing revitalization efforts, the city said. It is not part of the larger master plan to expand and modernize Leu Gardens that was presented at a community meeting last October.
The anniversary
The gardens have been a fixture of Orlando’s cultural landscape since 1961, when Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane, donated their 50-acre estate to the city. The property now draws visitors to more than 40 plant collections, including Florida’s largest formal rose garden.
“The 65th anniversary is a moment to reflect on an extraordinary act of generosity,” said Jennifer D’hollander, executive director of Harry P. Leu Gardens. “When the Leu family donated this property to the City of Orlando in 1961, they ensured that these gardens would remain a place where the public could experience nature, beauty, and respite in the heart of the city. That legacy continues to shape everything we do today.”
Inside the Welcome Center, a new historical exhibit traces the gardens’ journey from agricultural homestead to public botanical destination, featuring archival photographs and a visual timeline. Outdoors, sculptural “portals” placed along garden pathways share stories about the region’s citrus, agricultural and tourism heritage.
Free Day and events
The public celebration officially begins Saturday with free admission all day. Guests will receive complimentary longleaf pine seedlings while supplies last.
The special events calendar runs through late April:
- March 14-15: 29th Annual Plant Sale
- March 21: Teacher Appreciation Day (free admission for teachers)
- March 28: Art Day (hands-on nature art projects)
- April 3: Movie Night — “Superman” (2025)
- April 4: Senior Day (free admission for ages 60+)
- April 11: Jazz & Blues Concert
- April 18: Flower Day (floral attire discount)
- April 24: First Responders Day (free admission for first responders)
General admission is $15 per person and $10 for children under 18, with free entry for children under 4, active military and members. Parking is free. Harry P. Leu Gardens is at 1920 N. Forest Ave. More information is available at leugardens.org or by calling 407-246-2620.
This story was developed using AI analysis of public records, official transcripts and interview responses from sources. See our editorial standards for more information about how we produce coverage.