THE FUTURE OF HARRY P. LEU GARDENS
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando’s historic 50-acre botanical treasure, is in the process of developing a comprehensive Master Plan - a once-in-a-generation roadmap to guide the Gardens into the future of growth, conservation, and community engagement.
This planning effort, which began in January 2025 following the adoption of a new strategic plan, is now in the concept phase. While no final designs have been determined, the early visions offer a glimpse of what the future may hold for Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Initial Concept Highlights
New Visitor Center Complex – Expanded ticketing, a dedicated plant shop, curated retail, and lakefront dining overlooking Lake Rowena.
Lakefront Outdoor Performance Stage – A flexible space for concerts, cultural events, and community gatherings under the stars.
Children’s Garden – A whimsical, nature-based play and learning environment for young explorers featuring treehouses nestled among century-old oak trees, waterfalls, streams, interactive water play for exploration and discovery; learning gardens for students and groups that spark curiosity about plants, pollinators, and wildlife; and, hands-on activity areas designed to encourage creativity and adventure while discovering a greater sense of self and connection to the natural world.
Expanded Parking & Accessibility – Enhancements to double parking capacity to improve guest experience and accommodate record visitation approaching 300,000 annually.
Strengthened Horticulture Facilities – Modernized workspaces to support plant care, collections management, and conservation leadership.
Botanical Enhancements – Renewed investments in showcase collections, including the Arid Garden, Camellia Collection, Rose Garden, and Palm & Tropical Gardens, ensuring their health and beauty for generations to come.
“This process is still unfolding as we are listening, learning, and exploring options with our community and stakeholders,” said Jennifer D’hollander, Executive Director of Harry P. Leu Gardens. “The concepts we’re sharing today are the beginning of a long-term vision, not final designs. What’s exciting is the chance to dream big and invite the community to help us shape the Gardens future.”
The Master Plan will be completed in phases over the coming years, with fundraising, design, and construction determined by available resources. As part of the planning process, projected cost estimates will be developed and included in the final scope of deliverables, guiding the Gardens next steps in its funding ecosystem.
The first phase of implementation is anticipated to prioritize the Visitor Center Complex, lakefront performance stage, expanded parking, and the Children’s Garden, while also delivering horticultural improvements throughout these areas.
“This Master Plan is about more than new buildings and gardens,” added D’hollander. “It’s about deepening our roots as Orlando’s botanical garden while growing into a destination that inspires, welcomes, and elevates every visitor. From families and students to lifelong gardeners and cultural enthusiasts, the Gardens will continue to be a place where nature and people connect in meaningful ways.”
The plan continues to evolve with input from staff, stakeholders, and community members and reflects the Gardens mission to create inspiring experiences about the natural world for all people.
A community meeting to gather further input on the refinements of the master plan is planned for Monday, October 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Gardens. It is open free to the public.
FAQs
Why does Harry P. Leu Gardens need a Master Plan?
Visitation has grown to nearly 300,000 guests annually - triple what the current facilities were built to handle in 1995. The Master Plan provides a roadmap for modernizing facilities, enhancing the visitor experience, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
What are the main features of the plan?
Highlights include:
- A new Visitor Center Complex with dining and retail.
- An outdoor amphitheater for performances and events.
- The Children’s Garden.
- Expanded parking and accessibility.
- Improved horticulture facilities to care for the living collections.
- Enhancements to beloved garden areas, including the Arid Garden, Camellia Collection, Rose Garden, Palm Garden, and others—strengthening Leu’s identity as one of the Southeast’s leading plant collections.
How much will the project cost?
As part of the planning process, projected cost estimates will be developed and included in the final scope of deliverables, guiding the Gardens next steps in its funding ecosystem. Funding will likely come from a mix of sources: City of Orlando investment, private philanthropy, grants, and sponsorships. The final number will depend on the final design development and available funding sources.
How will the project be funded?
Funding will come from a combination of City of Orlando investment, private philanthropy, grants, and sponsorships.
When will construction begin?
The Master Plan is still in the concept phase, so no final timeline has been set. Once the plan is complete, cost estimates and funding strategies will guide the next steps. We anticipate construction will be phased, beginning with the Visitor Center, expanded parking, outdoor performance stage, and Children’s Garden as part of Phase 1. Each project will move forward as resources are secured, with implementation unfolding over several years.
Will the Gardens remain open during construction?
Yes. The Gardens will remain open to the public during all phases, though some areas may be temporarily closed. Every effort will be made to minimize disruption.
How does the plan honor Harry P. Leu Gardens history?
The Master Plan builds on the Gardens legacy as the estate of Harry P. and Mary Jane Leu and its renowned plant collections. Historic features, including the Leu House Museum, will be preserved and enhanced. Every effort will be made to protect the Gardens living collections, which include rare, endangered, and historic specimens as well as century-old trees. The plan calls for saving and showcasing these collections while also planting new gardens and trees to continue the tradition of horticultural excellence.
What specific horticultural improvements are planned?
The Master Plan includes renewed pathways, plantings, and interpretation in several major garden areas:
- Arid Garden – expanded desert plantings and improved visitor circulation.
- Camellia Collection – enhanced plantings, interpretation, and preservation of one of the nation’s most significant collections.
- Rose Garden – revitalization with sustainable rose varieties and seasonal displays.
- Palm Garden, Tropical Garden, and others – refreshed design and plantings to highlight diversity and improve horticultural excellence.
How will the new visitor center affect the visitor experience?
The new Visitor Center will be a welcoming new hub that creates a beautiful first impression of the Gardens by connecting visitors to nature immediately upon arrival. Expanded parking will allow for a more seamless entry, while modern ticketing and signage will make it easy for guests to begin their visit. The building itself will connect visitors to our beautiful Lake Rowena shoreline through outdoor dining and veranda access from our banquet spaces. A new plant and gift shop will extend the garden experience, while new interpretive exhibits tell the Gardens story.
How can the I get involved?
The Gardens will invite community input through a community meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025. Our members, donors, neighbors, volunteers, and visiting public play a vital role in shaping the future.
How did the Gardens deed restrictions shape the Master Plan?
Harry P. Leu Gardens is bound by deed restrictions and conservation guidelines that protect the property as a public botanical garden. These restrictions were carefully considered in the planning process and help ensure that any new construction aligns with the Gardens mission and ability to support itself. The concepts you see today were developed within those parameters, balancing the need for growth with the responsibility to preserve the Gardens historic and natural integrity.
What kinds of programs and events will be hosted in the new spaces?
Concerts, festivals, and cultural performances on the new outdoor stage. Flexible spaces for weddings, community gatherings, outdoor classes, educational presentations & programs. Seasonal exhibits, traveling shows, and family-friendly events at a scale and operation not possible today. These enhancements will diversify revenue streams, increase access, and create new opportunities for the community to connect with nature and culture at the Gardens.
What inspired the new designs?
The design concepts draw inspiration from both botanical garden best practices, community needs in Orlando, and nature's organic forms, colors, and materials. Our design team has created and studied projects at leading gardens and cultural institutions nationwide, adapting elements that emphasize sustainability, accessibility, and immersion in nature. For example, the Children’s Garden concepts are rooted in nature-based play models seen in gardens across the country, and tailored to Central Florida’s landscape with century-old oaks, water features, and interactive learning gardens unique to our garden.
What is the long-term vision for Harry P. Leu Gardens?
The long-term vision is to strengthen Harry P. Leu Gardens as a premier public garden, continue to expand as a place where horticultural excellence, cultural experiences, and community life come together. Over the next decade, we envision:
- Continued investment in living collections, including rare and historic plants.
- Expanded educational programs for all ages.
- Enhanced visitor amenities and interpretation.
- Stronger integration of arts, culture, and nature through events and exhibits.
At its core, the vision is to ensure Harry P. Leu Gardens remains a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming place for generations to come.
