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Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave.
Orlando, FL 32803-1537
407-246-2620
Directions

 

1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, Florida USA 32803

407-246-2620

 

 

Classes & Workshops

2011 Summer Schedule

To Register call 407-246-3621

Due to the demand for classes and our limited space, students must withdraw from classes at least seven working days prior to start of the class in order to receive a refund or credit.  If we must cancel a class, we will make every effort to inform you and you will receive a full refund or credit.

 

Sorry, we cannot accept walk-ins.

 

Children's

Classes

 

 

Leafing Out

Saturday, October 22

10:30 am-Noon

Cottage & Gardens

 

This class for children (kindergarten through fifth grade) will start with a walk in the Gardens looking for interesting leaves and other treasures. We will then bring our findings back to the cottage and turn them into pieces of art.  All supplies will be provided.

 

Instructor: Leu Staff

Fee:  $8 (Members $5)

 

Night Hike
Friday, November 11
7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Palm Room & Gardens

Kids, bring your parents and a flashlight for a trip through Leu Gardens under the stars.  Explore the outdoors with garden staff members and see how the plants and creatures look differently at night.  Appropriate for children ages 4-12, and an adult must participate. Must pre-register.

Instructors: Leu Staff
Fee: $10 per participant (Members $5 per participant)
 

 

 

HORTICULTURE

 

 

Basic Interiorscape in Your Home

Saturday, October 15

10:00 am-11:30 am

Palm Room

 

Learn how to maintain plants in your home, simple and easy.  You will be shown how to select the appropriate plants, basic pest prevention and simple techniques for maintenance and watering of interior plants.  Handouts will be provided for the class.

 

Instructor: Pinky Ormand

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

Growing Vegetables in Containers

Wednesday, October 19

6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Palm Room

 

If you have limited growing space, no garden space in the backyard, or no backyard at all, come to this class and learn about growing vegetables in containers.  Depending on the plant requirements, many vegetables can be grown reliably in pots or boxes.  Ed will supply the information on the types of vegetables that can grow well in containers, and the types of containers you will need.  Even those who live in a condo can grow fresh vegetables!

 

Instructor: Ed Thralls

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

Hydroponics: Cultivation of Plants in Nutrient Solution

Thursday, October 20

7:00 pm-8:30 pm

Palm Room

 

The focus of this class is learning how to make your own floating hydroponic garden. You will discover how quick, simple and inexpensive it is to make a floating hydroponic garden that can produce an abundance of vegetables all season long.  Class participants will learn the many advantages of hydroponic gardening, and will be given a list of fall and winter vegetables that are best suited for a hydroponic garden, along with a handout with basic instructions on making a floating hydroponic garden.  

 

Instructor: Dena Wild

Fee:  $14 (Members $8)

 

 

So, You Want to Grow Some Broccoli?

Saturday, October 22

9:30 am-Noon

Palm Room & Vegetable Garden

 

Fall and winter are the finest seasons to grow vegetables in Central Florida.  In this informative presentation by the Gardens’ Director (and avid vegetable grower), learn how to grow armloads of vegetables for your family without poisons and pesky weeds.  Learn more about which varieties grow best here, proper garden spacing, and when to harvest.  If you enjoy eating market fresh vegetables, imagine how incredible freshly picked vegetables can taste.  We will visit Leu Gardens’ Vegetable Garden, and you may also take home a copy of Robert’s newest books, Florida Gardener’s Resource and Guide to Florida Fruit and Vegetable Gardening.

 

Instructor: Robert Bowden

Fee: $26 with book, $16 without (Members $20 with book, $10 without)

 

 

 

 

Orchid Culture

Saturday, November 5

10:00 am-Noon

Palm Room

 

 

Growing orchids can be very easy in Central Florida.  Get a good start by attending this information-packed session on selection, cultivation, and growing media to choose when purchasing and caring for your favorites. If ever you though about growing orchids or want to keep the gift orchid someone gave you alive, this class is a "must have" for you!

 

Instructor: Frank Dasse

Fee:  $14 (Members $8)

 

Go Native

Tuesday, November 8

6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Palm Room

 

Join our botanical records specialist in this power point presentation covering the native plants that grow in central Florida.  Eric will focus on native plants that are attractive, drought tolerant, low maintenance, pest resistant, beneficial for wildlife and reasonably sized for your landscape needs.  Useful handouts will be provided.

Instructor:  Eric Schmidt

Fee:  $14 (Members $8)

 

Florida Smart Plants

Thursday, November 10

7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Palm Room

 

These are the smart plants to use in Central Florida. Discover everything you need to know to successfully grow these palms, trees, shrubs, groundcovers, vines, and perennials in your sunny, shady, or in-between garden. Program includes: a virtual tour of the developing gardens at Hortus Oasis, a comprehensive handout for the 69 plants and reference books for viewing.

 

Instructor: Kristin and Stephen Pategas

Fee: $20 (Members $15)

 

Plant Propagation

Saturday, November 12

10:00 am-11:30 am

Palm Room & Gardens

 

Learn the how-to of plant propagation, the production of more plants by seeds, cutting and grafting.  If weather permits, we will spend some time in the Gardens collecting samples.

 

Instructor: Pinky Ormand

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

How Does Your Vegetable Garden Grow? (Q&A)

Wednesday, November 16

6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Palm Room

 

If you just wanted to sit down and talk to someone about problems you are experiencing in the vegetable garden, here is your chance.  Bring pictures of your problems you are facing and discuss them with someone who can give you answers and improve your chances of growing quality vegetables in your vegetable garden.

 

Instructor: Ed Thralls

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

 

 

 

Introduction to Bromeliads

Saturday, December 10

10:30 am-Noon

Palm Room

 

Although bromeliads are often treated as short-lasting decorations to be discarded after they

fade, their graceful symmetry and flamboyant blooms can be enjoyed year round. This class will introduce you to some of the easy-to grow varieties that are available for use in the home or landscape and discuss simple cultural techniques to ensure success in growing these most unusual plants.

 

Instructor: Jay Thurrott

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

Companion Plants in the Vegetable Garden

Wednesday, December 14 

6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Palm Room

 

Plants growing in the vegetable garden, including weeds, compete for space, nutrients, water and light.  However, some plants are believed to have a synergistic relationship with certain other plants.  One or both of them grow better, yield more, and sometimes even taste better when grown near one another. These are often called “companion plants”.  Let Ed introduce you to this concept in vegetable gardening. 

 

Instructor: Ed Thralls

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

 

 

LANDSCAPING

 

 

 

Problems in the Landscape

Tuesday, November 1

7:00 pm-8:30 pm

Palm Room

 

Does it seem like weeds and invasive vines are taking over your yard?  Why does your flowering shrub have few blooms?  With this class you will learn how to identify and control invasive plants in your landscape.  You'll also discover why some of your plants don't grow well.  Whether you maintain your yard yourself or have it professionally done, you'll get practical information on helping your landscape to look its best.

 

Instructor: Ann Berendzen

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

 

HISTORY

 

The Leu House Holiday Lecture & Tour

Saturday, December 10

2:30 pm-4:30 pm

Cottage, Gardens & Leu House

 

Join Al, a former Leu House Curator and guide, as he starts with a power point presentation showing the architectural characteristics of Harry & Mary Jane Leu’s house that was built in 1888, along with its connection to the history of Orlando.  He will then lead a short walk thru the gardens visiting the Mizell cemetery and on to tour the Leu House itself where Al will provide information relating to the contributions made by each of the four families that have lived there.  Enjoy the house holiday decorations, and at the end of the tour, there will be refreshments on the porch.  You will also leave with a recipe booklet containing recipes from former residents of the house.

 

Instructor: Albert Pfeiffer

Fee: $16 (Members $10)

 

 

NATURE

 

Amazing Mollusks: From the Garden & Sea to Your Table & More

Saturday, October 22

1:30 pm-3:00 pm

Palm Room

 

Learn about the role that land snails & sea snails and their relatives have played in mankind's history as food & objects of inspiration & art.  Explore the ways that these seemingly simple creatures create such beautifully sculptured and colorful shells.  Learn interesting facts about the natural histories of members of this fascinating order of animal life.

 

Instructor: Christopher Stalder

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

 

 

Backyard Beekeeping for Beginners

Saturday, November 19

1:30 pm-3:00 pm

Palm Room

Learn about the natural history of the European Honey Bees and about the equipment, knowledge and work involved in starting a hive in your backyard. Hear about the trials and tribulations of a backyard beekeeper in Central Florida. Sample some honeys including some local, raw, unfiltered wildflower honeys. 

 

Instructor: Christopher Stalder

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

Mysterious Lives of Snakes in Florida Gardens...Revealed !

Saturday, December 10

1:30 pm-3:00 pm

Palm Room

 

Brought back by popular demand.  Come discover the lifestyles of some common snakes in Central Florida that may appear in your garden.  View some non-venomous local species up close & personal.  Learn what precautions you can take when gardening, what to do when encountering a snake and what measures to take should you accidentally become the recipient of a bite.  Get familiar with our 4 local venomous species to help you with identification, and find out about some of the important medical applications & uses for snake venoms.

 

Instructor: Christopher Stalder

Fee: $14 (Members $8)

 

FINE ARTS

 

 

 

Holiday Greeting Cards

Saturday and Sunday, November 19 & 20

10:00 am-2:00 pm

Rose Room

 

Hand-crafted holiday cards are always fun to receive! Come and design your own card using specimens that sport seasonal colors from the Garden.  Draw a selection of botanicals that can be used for decorating holiday cards.  Emphasis will be on smaller, bright, colored-pencil drawings and design formats that will be suitable for cards and postcards.  Prior drawing experience is helpful.  Bring your imagination and lunch!

 

Instructor: Redenta Soprano

Fee: $65 (Members $60)

 

SPECIALTIES

 

 

Sunset Yoga in the Fall

Mondays, October 10-November 28

6:15 pm -7:15 pm

Garden House Lawn

 

Each week we will meet on the Garden House lawn overlooking Lake Rowena for a moving meditation that focuses on breath, balance and flexibility. As the sun sets we will ease into gentle yoga postures and conclude with a blissful relaxation. All levels welcome. A yoga mat, water, towel and bug spray are recommended. Blocks and straps are not necessary but are very helpful. (Class may be moved inside due to inclement weather.)  8 week session.

 

Instructor:  Cortney Singleton

Fee:  $90 (Members $80)

 

Pumpkin-licious Encore

Saturday, October 15

10:00 am-1:00 pm

Idea Garden Pavilion

 

Join us as we make two of the most asked for pumpkin dishes: pumpkin ravioli in a sage and brown butter sauce and the amazing smoke roasted apple pie in a pumpkin shell crust.  Hands on class.  Recipes will be included.  Class limited to 12.

 

Instructor: Ilene Colwill

Fee:  $42 (Members $36)

 

Journaling in the Fall Garden

Saturday, November 5

10:00 am-Noon

Cottage & Gardens

 

Fall is a beautiful time to experience the power of journaling through self reflection as facilitator Lee Butler takes you on a journey to go within and explore your inner voice. Class includes journaling background, tools to help you get the most out of your writing, teatime, and quiet time in the gardens to enjoy the tranquility and to complete the journaling exercises.

 

Instructor: Lee Butler

Fee: $30 (Members $25)

 

 

 

 

Fall Desserts

Saturday, November 5

10:00 am-1:00 pm

Idea Garden Pavilion

 

 

It is guaranteed that these two fall desserts will become a regular on your holiday table.  Get ready to roll in dough as we prepare an apple-cranberry galatte and an autumn fruit strudel roll topped with a homemade cinnamon ice cream. Hands on class. Recipes included.  Class limited to 12.

 

Instructor: Ilene Colwill

Fee:  $42 (Members $36)

 

 

Landscape Photography

Sunday, November 6

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Palm Room & Gardens

 

This three session workshop will cover composition, timing, lighting, weather conditions, as well as processing images on the computer. Session 1 will include classroom orientation and a lecture preparing for field work. Bring three of your favorite images (any subject-on a jump drive or CD).   The 2nd session will be field work in the gardens with instructor input.  We will then break for lunch, followed by classroom show and tell with critique plus image refinement techniques in Photoshop and other software.  Participants should bring a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR is preferred, but a Point-&-Shoot camera is OK) and a tripod if you own one. 

 

Instructor: Milton Heiberg

Fee:  $90 (Members $80) 

 

 

 

Preserving Foods at Home 2: Basic Water Bath Canning

Saturday, November 12

10:00 am-Noon

Idea Garden Pavilion

 

 

Low acid foods must be canned in a pressure canner to maintain food safety, but high acid foods can be done in a "water bath."  This simple process is fun and easy, but provides big satisfaction and enjoyment.  Join us and learn about canning jams and jellies, salsas, and many more products!

 

Instructor: LuAnn Duncan

Fee: $16 (Members $12)

 

Handmade for the Holidays!

Saturday, December 3

10:00 am-1:00 pm

Palm Room

 

Put warmth and heart into the holiday season.  Crafting handmade holiday ornaments is great family fun or an exciting activity for friends of all ages to enjoy.  Bring your friends and family together to make your own ornaments. Create several personalized ceramic ornaments to trim your trees, decorate packages or to give as gifts.  Using inspiration from the garden, we will create one of a kind works of art.  Clay will be fired in a kiln to make it permanent, and your ornaments will be available for you to be picked up at the gardens 2 weeks after the class.  

Great family holiday activity (children must be accompanied by an adult).

 

Instructor: Katherine Mathisen

Fee: $ 25 (Members $20) A $5 discount will be given to friends or family members that register at the same time.  An additional $ 10 materials and firing fee to be paid to the instructor the day of class. 

 

Hypertufa

Saturday, December 3

10:00 am-3:00 pm

Idea Garden Pavilion

 

Wear your old clothes and bring your imagination!  Hypertufa planters grace the gardens of Europe and will add character to your yard, along with saving you money on pots and providing the best possible growing environment.  Learn the technique and take home four completed planters of various sizes and styles (which would also make wonderful holiday gifts).   All supplies are included, along with molds to keep and material to add color to your masterpieces.  Please bring your lunch.

 

Instructor: Melanie Palmrose

Fee: $65 (Members $60)

 

Holiday Gifts from Your Kitchen

Saturday, December 10

10:00 am-1:00 pm

Idea Garden Pavilion

 

Join us for two holiday food ideas that you can give as gifts.  You will first create an old-fashioned, yeast dough based dessert roll which will yield 8 gifts in one recipe.  Also, we will then make and package candied walnuts.  These are one of the tasty gifts you can make, give or receive.  Hands on class.  Recipes included.  Class limited to 15.

 

Instructor: Ilene Colwill

Fee:  $35 (Members $30)

 

 

 

__________________________

 

 

About the Instructors

 

 

Ann Berendzen is originally from Central Florida and is the landscape designer and owner of Design by the Yard, LLC (www.designbytheyard.com).  She has studied in the areas of landscape design, horticulture, pest management and outdoor lighting; is certified in Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices and volunteers as an Orange Co. Master Gardener.

 

Robert Bowden has been the director of Leu Gardens for eighteen years and is  author of Florida Top Ten Garden Guide by Sunset Books and Guide to Florida Fruit and Vegetable Gardening by Cool Springs Press.

 

Lee Butler is a journal facilitator, herbalist and certified natural health professional and has owned, and helped others open, herb shops in Central Florida. Lee takes a common sense approach to natural health and implements journaling as a helpful tool.

 

Ilene Colwill owns Ilene’s Cuisine, a small instructional-based cooking company.  Utilizing nature’s bounty of fruits, vegetables and herbs, she demonstrates recipes from soup to nuts with stylish ease and elegance.

 

Frank Dasse once bought an orchid for his wife for Valentine’s Day, discovered how easy they are to grow, and has been enthusiastically growing orchids ever since.  Mr. Dasse is a financial planner and professor at the Crummer School of Business, Rollins College and has a PhD in Economics from the Univ. of Florida and past president of the Central Flo9rida Orchid Society..

 

LuAnn Duncan has a B.S. and Masters Degree from Ohio State University and has 20 years experience in teaching food safety and food preservation classes.  She is currently an Extension Agent at Orange County/University of Florida IFAS Extension. 

 

Milton Heiberg (www.miltonheiberg.com) started his own studio in NYC and founded and taught at the NYC Audubon Society from 1982 until 1998. He has done assignment for McGraw-Hill, HarperCollins, Time Warner, Penguin, and National Geographic, is the author of seven books, teaches at the Crealde School of Art and is a frequent lecturer. 

 

Katherine Mathisen graduated from SUNY at Farmingdale, NY.  Upon moving to Florida, Katherine worked in the horticulture department at Walt Disney World which led her to an interest in creating pots for her bonsai collection.  She also received her BS degree from UCF and currently exhibits her award winning ceramic work in galleries and art shows throughout the U.S.

 

Pinky Ormand is a horticulturist at Harry P. Leu Gardens and maintains the Idea Garden, White Garden and the Camellia Collection.  Pinky attended UCF where she graduated with a BA in Art and has also completed the Landscape & Horticulture Technology program at Valencia.

 

Melanie Palmrose is a Master Gardener, a horticultural professional by training, and has a passion for gardening and "playing in the mud".  A workshop at Leu several years ago introduced her to the benefits of the versatile hypertufa containers.  She has since made and sold hundreds at Florida shows, and enjoys passing the technique on to others.

 

Kristin and Stephen Pategas are co-owners of Hortus Oasis (www.hortusoasis.com) in Winter Park.  Stephen is a registered landscape architect and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.  Kristin is a Florida Certified Landscape Designer and a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. 

 

Albert Pfeiffer received his degree in architecture from Pratt Institute in New York.  He then was employed by Knoll’s Showroom in the United Kingdom, has taught at Pratt Institute and Parsons School of Design, was a former curator of Knoll Museum, has been a lecturer at various schools of architecture and interior design and is a former curator and guide at the Leu House.

 

Eric Schmidt is the Botanic Records Specialist and helps maintain the Palm Garden and conifer, tropical and vine collections at Harry P. Leu Gardens.  Eric obtained his Associates Degree in Horticulture from Valencia Community College, and his knowledge and interests includes palms, cycads, bamboo, tropicals, ferns, conifers, vines, native plants and xerics.

 

Cortney Singleton is an integrative yoga therapist & certified power Pilate’s instructor.  She is currently working on her graduate degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine at The Florida College of Integrative Medicine.

 

Redenta Soprano attended the School of Visual Arts, Moore College of Art and graduated from the State Univ. of New York with a degree in Natural Sciences and Art. Ms. Soprano has been a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators since 1983.  She now works as a freelance illustrator, specializing in botanical art.

 

Christopher Stalder is a graduate of the Univ. of Florida and has worked with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.  He is also an environmental scientist, a butterfly gardener, a backyard beekeeper and a member of the FL State Beekeepers Association and of the Conchologists of America.  He offers natural history programs around the state on many subjects including herpetology, beekeeping and shells and mollusks.

Ed Thralls is an Extension Agent with the Univ. of Florida and Orange Co. Extension Service.  A graduate of the Univ. of Florida, Ed writes two monthly garden articles for the Orange Co. Homeowners Association Alliance, and the Master Gardener “pH News” newsletters. 

 

James (Jay) Thurrott is an environmental chemist and Manager of Treatment Operations for Daytona Beach.  He grows over 700 varieties of bromeliads at his home, is a longtime active member of the Florida East Coast Bromeliad Society, serves as president in his local society and vice-president of the Bromeliad Society International, and is also a BSI accredited judge.

 

Dena Wild is a retired urban designer with degrees from the Univ. of Georgia, Univ. of Oregon, and post graduate work in landscape architecture at the Univ. of Colorado. She is a Master Gardener and backyard organic gardener.

 

 

 

 

 


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