Harry P. Leu Gardens is located in Downtown Orlando and was once the private residence of one of Orlando's most prominent citizens, the house and gardens were gifted to the City of Orlando in 1961. The garden encompasses fifty acres and has three miles of paved walking trails.
I've been visiting Leu Gardens for over twenty years. They are a frequent venue for weddings in the stunning rose garden with hundreds of flowers surrounding you.
The azaleas and camellias that bloom each winter bring visitors from all over the country.
I've spent a lot of time walking the paths, sitting by the lake and imagining what life was like at the turn of the Century in the Leu household.
Leu Gardens truly is a timeless oasis in the midst of a bustling city.
If you are like me, the prospect of having to choose a way to memorialize someone is completely overwhelming. I was faced with this daunting task after the death of my newborn son in 2003. I wasn't coping well with the loss then a friend suggested the Leu Gardens Memorial Program.
Through a donation to the gardens you choose a tree, a bench along a pathway or a water fountain that includes a permanent plaque with the name of those you are honoring.
It was perfect for me...
I made an appointment at Leu Gardens the next day. Cas and I decided on a Southern Magnolia to be placed in the middle of the camellia garden.
Six weeks later, I received the call that the tree had been planted and the plaque had been placed that morning. It took me a few weeks to get up the courage to go... I knew that seeing his name in print would bring back the feelings that I was trying so hard to suppress.
As we walked to our chosen location I could hardly see as my eyes filled with tears. It took a long time to feel differently.
Now, whenever I'm in the area... I stop by to check on his tree... take in it's fragrant flowers and run my fingers across the plaque. Only smiles these days as I watch his tree grow tall and strong.
I feel at home in the gardens, as if I'm part of them. The Leu Gardens Memorial Program is a wonderful way to remember those you love and keep their memory alive.
In Loving Memory of:
Colin James Summers, 10-25-2003
Hey, Debbie. What a wonderful place. I would agree that this would be a great way to remember someone. All my best, Jim
Debbie Leu Gardens looks beautiful and it sounds like they have a nice program going as well.
Debbie, absolutely gorgeous. What a lasting memorial to those you love.
Jim - It's a beautiful place... I didn't even include the beautiful lake views!
Bill - It wasn't until I become involved in the Memorial Program that I started noticing all the others who have too... It's a beautiful way to honor a loved one.
Tim & Pam - It's really at it's price in the winter... Well, as much as we have winter in Central Florida.
What a bittersweet story - and what a nice way to remember your son. You're brave being able to post about it.
Debbie,
What a lovely way to remember a loved one. When I read this post it brought me to tears, but I often seek comfort in writing and I see that you do to. This is a beautiful posts and maybe it will help someone else get the comfort that they may need.