Early forecasts for the month show a particularly pleasant May for the Orlando area, free from much of the potentially roof-damaging weather that will come during hurricane season. With spring winds calming down, homeowners can turn their attention away from roof maintenance and can get out of the house to enjoy the weather and to see the beautiful plant-life that the climate in Orlando makes possible. Check out these Five Botanical Gardens in the Orlando Area, presented in alphabetical order.
Central Park Rose Garden
111 W New England Ave., Winter Park
Located at the southern end of Winter Park’s 11-acre Central Park, the spectacular Rose Garden displays dozens of rose varieties. With plenty of bench seating located around the park, this garden is perfect for a leisurely stroll. All the roses make a wonderful backdrop for photos, as well.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden
3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford
Throughout the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden are a wide array of interesting plants. While you enjoy all the animals, take time to look at the Spiny Garden, full of prickly plants; the Butterfly Garden, with plants that attract butterflies; and the Wildflower Garden, decked out with more naturally growing flowers.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N Forest Ave., Orlando
Located only minutes from the middle of Orlando, the Harry P. Leu Gardens covers 50 acres with beautiful and interesting plants. Be sure to take along your smart phone with a QR code reader so that you can take advantage of the excellent information materials that appear along the extensive network of walking trails.
Mead Botanical Garden
1300 S Denning Dr., Winter Park
Mead Botanical Garden features several natural landscape habitats, from uplands to forested wetlands to open water. These different areas highlight the plants best suited to those environments and how those zones function. Enjoy free admission from morning to dusk.
Nehrling Gardens
2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha
Nehrling Gardens preserve the work of Dr. Henry Nehrling, a research botanist who built his garden facilities in the late 1880s. The gardens are open to the public on the first and second Saturdays of the month and by special appointment.