Floridiana Magazine

History. Heritage. Home.

Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando

No matter where you live in the state, chances are there are a few places nearby where you can disappear for a few hours and experience natural Florida.  Even in cities like Orlando, parks and gardens provide respite from the hectic pace.  You’ll find one of those locations just a short drive from downtown – Harry P. Leu Gardens.

I’ve driven by the entrance off Virginia Drive and Corrine many times in my 25-plus years in Orlando.  It wasn’t until I stopped for the first time years ago that I discovered this serene sanctuary in the city.

Who Was Harry P. Leu?

Harry P. Leu was born in Orlando in 1884 and went on to build one of the largest supply businesses in Florida.  He purchased the property on Lake Rowena in 1936 and filled it with plants he gathered in his travels around the world, with the camelia being one of his specialties.

The centerpiece of the Gardens is Harry and Mary Jane Leu’s house.  The house was restored to its grandeur and provided a look at turn-of-the-century Florida living.  It was added to the National Register of Historic Places December 29, 1994.  At the time of this post, the Leu House Museum is closed due to damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017.

In 1961, Leu deeded the property to the City of Orlando and the gardens were opened to the public.

Gardens and Exhibits

The Garden House serves as the welcome center to the gardens and is home to the gift shop, exhibit halls and classrooms, and a botanical library.  Once you walk out the doors, you are surrounded by the beauty of individual gardens.  Take a leisurely stroll around the pond in the Tropical Stream Garden or get ideas for your own yard in the Idea Garden. Winding walkways provide an easy trek through 50 acres of camellias, magnolias, ferns, and other botanical beauties.  Stop and smell the roses.  Or take a walk among the towering camphor trees.

Floral Clock

Another feature of the Gardens is the Floral Clock which sits behind the rose garden.  The 50-foot clock was imported from Scotland in 1966 and was donated by the Kiwanis Club of Orlando.

In addition to the gardens, fun exhibits provide guests with interactive experiences.  During our visit, The Ribbit Exhibit II (November 1, 2018 – January 31, 2019) sent us on a hunt for 26 whimsical frogs.  Sculpted out of copper, these frogs could be found meditating in a pond, watering plants, trimming hedges, riding bikes and jamming out on a washboard with the Ribbitsville Band.

Other exhibits have included dinosaurs, fairy doors and Lego sculptures.  Keep an eye on the website for future exhibits.  You don’t want to miss them.

Classes and Workshops

If you want more ideas for your own gardens, try one of the classes or workshops that are offered for folks of all ages.  Whether you want to learn the basics of growing orchids, or how to use lemons in your cooking, there is something for everyone.  Make sure to check out the calendar of events to find the right class for you.

Admission and Location

To get a complete picture of what Leu Gardens has to offer, make plans to see for yourself.  The Gardens are open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The price of admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 4 – 17, and Leu Gardens members and children three and under get in free.  To get there from downtown Orlando, take I-4 east to Princeton Street and follow the signs to Leu Gardens located at 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando.

Enjoy more of our photographs from the Gardens, but be sure to visit and see the beauty for yourself.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Year in Review: Natural Florida

Florida is home to 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites, with countless other wildlife refuges and wildlife drives.  Looking back at 2018, we visited numerous places we consider to be natural Florida – some of them more than once.  Links to the original posts are embedded within the descriptions.

Pioneer Park, Zolfo Springs

Encompassing more than 115 acres, Pioneer Park sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 and State Road 64 in Zolfo Springs in Hardee County.  The picturesque Peace River meanders through the park and serves as the source of many activities, from kayaking to canoeing, and even fossil hunting.

Other points of interest include the Hardee County Wildlife Refuge, the old pool house and the Cracker Trail Museum.  One of our favorite spots is the Pioneer Village which houses an old cabin, a blacksmith shop, and an old locomotive.

If you plan to visit, you might want to plan for February 28 through March 2 in order to experience the 51st Annual Pioneer Park Days.  You can find out more about the event in our original post here.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

It’s hard to imagine someone living in the city relishing a two- or three-hour, eleven-mile drive.  But what if that drive steers you away from the clogged highways and winds through a wildlife paradise?  Whether you are looking for a leisurely way to spend the day or a chance to see Florida’s wildlife up close, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is well worth the time.

From the moment you enter the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, the melody of Mother Nature replaces the sound of the city.  On both sides of the single-lane, hard-packed shell road, birds wade along the shoreline, alligators glide through the water, and osprey circle overhead. It is a photographer’s playground and a wildlife lover’s wonderland.

Since it is only 20 minutes from home, we have been to the drive four times over the past year. Each time provided a new experience for us – whether it was a bird or animal we hadn’t seen before or the sheer number of alligators out sunning themselves.

Make sure to take along your camera and binoculars because there are so many photo opportunities.  To truly enjoy the drive, plan on at least two hours and remember to be patient.  Even though there are areas to pull over, most of the drive is single-lane and it’s not uncommon to be in a line of slow-moving cars with occupants looking at all there is to see.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue, and is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from sunrise to sunset.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Gainesville 

Sweetwater Wetlands is a man-made habitat located on the north end of Paynes Prairie in Gainesville.  The park, which is said to be shaped like an alligator head, was created to improve the water quality in the Alachua Sink and the Floridan Aquifer.  With more than three and a half miles of easy trails on 125 acres, Sweetwater Wetlands offers amazing views of plants, animals, and more than 215 species of birds.  If you’re lucky, you will be able to see the wild horses or bison that roam the prairie. Of the two times we have been to the park, we have been able to see some of the horses.  Viewing platforms, trails and boardwalks provide an up-close view of nature at its finest.

The park is open seven days a week, even on holidays, from 7:00 a.m. until sunset. There is a $5.00 entrance fee for the park.

FM Notes

With a renewed annual pass to Florida State Parks, we will be adding more to our 2019 calendar.  Leave a comment with your favorite park to visit in Florida.

 

What to Do in Lake Wales, Florida

Known as the Crown Jewel of the Ridge, Lake Wales sits in the center of the state, just off Highway 27 and State Road 60. With its historic roots, its quirky qualities, and its persona of a small city with a hometown atmosphere, Lake Wales is a true Floridiana find.  Whether you are taking a trip into downtown, visiting the tower on the hill, or participating in any number of festivals and celebrations, nostalgia and culture abound.

Lake Wales History

Lake Wales was first settled in 1911 by a group of businessmen known as the Lake Wales Land Company.  These individuals purchased 5,000 acres around Lake Wailes, named after land agent Sidney Wailes. The Lake Wales Land Company saw the property as ripe for a turpentine and lumber industry, as well as growing citrus crops.

Lake Wailes

By the time Lake Wales was incorporated in 1917, it was already on its way to becoming a thriving town, with a school, some paved roads, and a newspaper.

Part of the charm of Lake Wales is its downtown area which is recognized as a National Historic District.  A walk around town reveals evidence of the old charm. Informational signs are strategically located to provide information about the area and the numerous buildings restored to the splendor of the 1920s and 30s.

City of Murals

Another way to enjoy the history of Lake Wales is through the 21 murals scattered throughout downtown.  The earliest mural was painted in 1942 and hangs inside the lobby of the Post Office on West Park Avenue.  Harvest Time Lake Wales measures 14 feet by 5 feet and depicts the area’s citrus industry.  A second indoor mural is at the Lake Wales Public Library and portrays animals that are native to the area in their natural environment.  The library mural was painted by Tom Freeman, who also painted many of the other murals around town.  Freeman, a former teacher, is also the subject of a mural funded and painted by his students.

Tom Freeman Recognition Mural

Another local artist, Lisa Moore, has not only painted some of the murals, but was also commissioned to do restoration work on some of the older murals around town.  On one of our visits, we found Lisa working on the Downtown City Mural on East Stuart Avenue.

The Lake Wales murals are part of a statewide trail that connects mural towns with mural enthusiasts. A map of the murals’ locations, as well as descriptions about them can be found at the Lake Wales Mural website.

Lake Wales Museum

Like other old train depots around Florida, the Atlantic Coast Line Depot has been transformed into the Lake Wales Museum.  The museum offers a look back at the history of Lake Wales.  Starting with its inception in 1911, exhibits depict the people, places and events that have shaped the town. Take a step back in time and learn about the history of the railroad, the turpentine industry and the postal service. There are also special exhibits that are set up throughout the year.  Before you leave the museum, make sure to head outside and tour a refurbished Seaboard caboose.

Other Things to See and Do in Lake Wales

Bok Tower and Gardens

You can’t visit Lake Wales without making a trip to Bok Tower and Gardens, located atop Iron Mountain.  Founded by Edward W. Bok, the gardens opened to the public in 1929 and now features nearly 50 acres of lush gardens filled with palms, ferns, oaks and other trees. Seasonal plants also provide splashes of color to the grounds.

The centerpiece to the gardens is the 205-foot Bok Tower.  Known as the Singing Tower, it houses one of the finest carillons anywhere in the world. With 60 bells, the tower rings out with concerts every day at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Also, on property is the Pinewood Estate, a 20-room mansion built in the early 1930s. The estate is open for tours, but make sure to check the website for blackout dates before you plan your trip.

Spook Hill

Do cars really roll uphill?  That’s for you to decide when you visit Spook Hill in Lake Wales.

If you want to know more about Spook Hill, click here.  Or even better, drive to Spook Hill, park your car on the white line, put it into neutral, and see what happens!

How to find it: From U.S. 27, take State Road 60 west to Alternate U.S. 27, north past Central Avenue, then east at first traffic light (North Avenue). Then turn left on one-way street to Spook Hill.

Struthers’ Honey

Struthers’ Honey is one of those places you have to visit.  Situated about 15 minutes east of Highway 27 along Highway 60, this honey store operates on the honor system.  That’s right.  There is usually no one inside to take your money.  Only shelves full of honey and honey-based products, and a cash box.  If you are lucky, you will be there when one of the family members stops by to replenish the shelves.  Struthers’ Honey opened for business in 1935 and may be the oldest honey store in Florida working off the honor system.

Orange Blossom Revue

Towns across Florida are known for their festivals and events.  In Lake Wales, the Orange Blossom Revue is one of those.  The event got its name from the impact of the citrus industry in Central Florida.  Held in early December every year, the Revue hosts barbeque competitions, regional musicians, arts and crafts, and craft beer featuring Florida breweries.  The weekend is full of fun activities for everyone, not just the locals.

Lake Wales Mardi Gras

Who would think a Mardi Gras celebration would be held in a small city like Lake Wales?  In 1984, the celebration began in Lake Wales in memory of Vinton Davis who owned Vinton’s New Orleans Restaurant.  Davis is said to have loved carnivals, especially Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  The Lake Wales Mardi Gras celebration is usually held the first weekend of March.  What’s billed as “A Festival for Florida” features live music, a parade, a 5k run and plenty of fun for the entire family.

There doesn’t have to be an event to visit Lake Wales.  This small city with a hometown atmosphere offers many opportunities to learn about its history, get a taste of some of its culture, or enjoy its natural beauty.

Lake Wales is located about 54 miles southwest of Orlando off U.S. 27 and Highway 60.  Please watch our slide show for more pictures from our trips to Lake Wales.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

Leave Your Credit Cards at Home

Honors System in Florida

It’s hard to believe that in 2018, the honors system is alive and well in Florida.  You see it at some state and county parks where envelopes and collection boxes are used for entrance fees.  But what about private businesses that offer up products for you to buy without someone there to ring you up?  It may sound like a risky venture, but these business owners say most people are good and honest.

In our travels, we have come across several businesses operating on the honors system, all of them honey stands.  Located along backroads, or along highways through the rural parts of the state, these businesses are reminiscent of a much simpler time in Florida.

Putnam County

Biggers Apiaries Honey Stand

After hearing about a honey stand selling through the honors system in Putnam County, we decided to see what the buzz was all about and visit during one of our trips to Palatka.  For more than 70 years, the Biggers Apiaries Honey Stand has been selling its honey from the side of Highway 100 in San Mateo.  The old wooden structure is showing its age, but the honey is as plentiful and sweet as ever.  Jars of palmetto, gallberry, orange blossom, and wildflower honey line the shelves.  Tables in front also hold additional items, like cane syrup and pumpkin butter. A yellow sign with large red letters tells visitors to “Put money in the box.”

A small outdoor store now sits next to the roadside stand.  Lawn ornaments, additional honey, jams and jellies can be found inside.  If it is open, someone is inside to take your money.  But if you’re only looking for the honey, you don’t need to go any further than the old stand outside.

Central Florida

Homeland, Florida

South of Bartow, along SR 640 West off Highway 17/98, sits a small wooden red structure, one of the newer honor system locations we have found.  It looks like any other roadside stand, but there is no one there to welcome you or sell you the product.  The counter is lined with jars of raw honey – various sizes, various prices. Signs hanging on the back wall provide further instructions if you are looking to buy larger sizes.

If you like what you see, and the price is right, put the money in the slot on the cash box and you are done.

Lake Wales, Florida

Struthers’ Honey

About 15 minutes east of Highway 27, along Highway 60, is perhaps the state’s oldest honey store working off the honor system, opening for business in 1935.  Sitting just off the highway about 10 miles east of Lake Wales, Struthers’ Honey welcomes visitors with a quaint front porch that opens into a small store.  On the back wall, tiered shelves hold jars of honey, honey candy, bee pollen, and bees wax.  The yellow walls are adorned with old family photos revealing the history of the business, as well as various other framed posters and prints paying homage to the bee.  In the middle of the floor is a table-size box with a tiny slot for you to pay for your purchases.

Arriving early on a Saturday morning, we were lucky to be in the store when Alden Struthers entered to restock the shelves.  Alden is a fourth-generation beekeeper, taking over the business from his father.  (Alden’s son and grandsons are also working in the business.) His down-home hospitality provided an unexpected first-hand history of the business, as well as a lesson in beekeeping.

Alden Struthers, 4th Generation Beekeeper

One of the photos on the wall is with Alden wearing a beard of bees, something he says he was coaxed into doing by his brothers when he reached the age of 50.  Another picture is of his older brother donning the same kind of beard.

Struthers and his “bee beard”

Alden told us, even though most people are honest and pay for what they take, the cash table was stolen years ago when the store front faced the highway before it was four-laned.  The cash box, which had $25 in it, was found later in a nearby creek. It took a day and a half to get it out.

 

Money slot

There are probably more of these honors systems businesses throughout the state, but like other “old Florida” traditions and culture, they are not as prevalent as they once were.

Have you been to any other honors systems locations in Florida?  If so, leave a comment and tell us were they are.

 

Pioneer Park, Zolfo Springs

Growing up in the country gives you a chance to experience “old Florida” every day.  Backroads replace highways.  Rivers and lakes replace the “concrete pond” and parks become the playground of choice.

One such park sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 and State Road 64 in Zolfo Springs in Hardee County – Pioneer Park.  Encompassing more than 115 acres, Pioneer Park offers a little something for everyone – from nature lovers to history buffs.

Peace River through Pioneer Park

The picturesque Peace River meanders 107 miles from just northeast of Bartow at the juncture of Saddle Creek and Peace Creek and to Charlotte Harbor in Port Charlotte.  Along the way it cuts through Hardee County and Pioneer Park, offering opportunities for lazy days of kayaking or canoeing.  Peace River is also a favorite hotspot for fossil hunters – both experienced and novice.

Kayaking on Peace River

Campers can pitch their tents or park their RVs and wake up to beautiful views, not just of the river but also other wildlife. There are two lakes in the park – Rock Lake and Pioneer Lake.  Rock Lake sits just off the river and serves as a favorite fishing spot, not to mention a hangout for a gator or two.

Camping along Rock Lake at Pioneer Park | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Rock Lake residents

Pioneer Lake is near the entertainment area at the park and besides also being a fishing hole, it is home to wildlife whether they are in plain view or hidden along the shore.

Pioneer Lake

Pioneer Lake

Hardee County Wildlife Refuge at Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is also home to a wildlife refuge.  Located on Animal Way, visitors can walk along the boardwalk and get a glimpse of native wild animals in a natural habitat. Although it has been closed due to damage from Hurricane Irma in September 2017, all but the bear exhibit is now open.

Old Pool House at Pioneer Park

An old pool house once served as the hub of activity at the park, offering up snacks and drinks for those who spent their weekends swimming or just hanging out at the pool.  Built in the 1930s, the pool was part of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided decades of fun to the area. It’s safe to say that many children who grew up in Hardee County learned to swim at the pool (myself included). Unfortunately, it was forced to close in the 1970s because of large cracks in the concrete.  The building now serves as a venue for birthdays and other events.  There is little evidence there was ever a pool here.

The site of the old pool

Cracker Trail Museum

For history buffs, the Cracker Trail Museum provides a look at pioneer life in Hardee County through more than 4,000 items, including photographs, farm implements, and household objects.  A separate area showcases a collection of old fossils and bones found along the Peace River. Many artifacts have been donated by local residents.

Pioneer Park Museum | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Pioneer Village

Step outside and into the Pioneer Village, an offshoot of the museum. The village began to take shape after the donation of a cane grinding shed and kettle, just one of several donations from residents of the county.

Another addition to the village was a 1914 wood burning Baldwin Locomotive Engine #3 (also known as the Loping Gopher).  It was donated in 1967 by K.D. Revell, who used it as his crate mill in Wauchula.  Recently repainted, this majestic engine can be seen from Highway 17 and State Road 64.

Train on display at Pioneer Park | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The C.A. Bryant Blacksmith Shop was moved to the park and reconstructed next to the museum itself.  Clarence Alvin Bryant operated the shop in Bowling Green from 1897 until his death in 1953. The blacksmith shop houses many of the original tools and implements used by the Bryant family.

C.A. Bryant Blacksmith Shop

Old farm implement

One of the hallmarks to the Pioneer Village is the Hart Cabin.  Built in 1879 by William Henry and Mary Jane Hart, the cabin was originally located in the Lemon Grove section of Hardee County.  It is one section of the original house where the Harts raised seven children. The cabin was donated to the park in 1979 by Hart’s great-grandson Wendell Smith. Enclosed cases outside of the cabin provide snapshots of the Hart’s pioneer life.  Visitors to Pioneer Village can also take a look at an old outhouse that sits behind the Hart Cabin, as well as an old shed and the Cracker Trail Post Office.

Hart Cabin | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Outhouse | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Post Office at Pioneer Park | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Pioneer Park Days (Pioneer Festival)

**Note: Pioneer Park Days (Pioneer Festival) has been discontinued.

The biggest event of the year at the park is held the first weekend of March. Pioneer  Pioneer Park Days started as a show for antique tractors and gasoline engines with about 50 people in attendance and soon grew into one of the largest events in the area.  Over the years, not only did the show include tractors and engines, but also antique cars, a flea market, Civil War Re-enactment, and a visit by the Budweiser Clydesdales. Park Days underwent a name change In 2023 to Pioneer Festival.

Newspaper Insert 1990 – Herald Advocate A bandshell was built to provide a larger area for entertainment and a postal station added to the event to provide a special philatelic cancellation stamp for anything mailed out of the park.

Entertainment Bandshell

FM Note:  For more than 50 years, Pioneer Park Days (Pioneer Festival)  provided a fun weekend for Hardee County residents and has attracted thousands of visitors from all over the country.  (I grew up attending Pioneer Park Days with my Dad as coordinator from 1978 – 1992).

George Collins, Coordinator of Pioneer Park Days 1978 – 1992 (My Dad!)

Nostalgia aside, Pioneer Park introduces visitors to the Park’s beauty and everything it has to offer.

Homeland Heritage Park

As housing developments and retail spaces continue to pop up around the state, more and more of old Florida is disappearing under the guise of progress.  Fortunately, some communities are preserving parts of their past.

Just outside of Bartow, in the small community of Homeland, sits the only historical park in Polk County. Homeland Heritage Park is a five-acre park with original buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Most of them were donated to the county and moved to the park for visitors to see for years to come.

Homeland School

The Homeland School (once known as Bethel Academy) is the oldest surviving school in the county (built in 1878) and sits in its original location.  Although the original building was only one room, a growing student population necessitated the addition of another room in 1888.

A peek inside the windows reveals a typical classroom of the time period – a teacher’s desk, old wooden chairs, long tables, a chalkboard and pianos.  It was in this room that students were taught lessons in reading, writing, arithmetic and manners.  More than 75 students once attended the Homeland School, until its closure in 1956.

In 1985, the school and property were donated to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and in 2007 was placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

Homeland Methodist Church

During the 1800s, churches served as more than just places for religious services.  They were also the cornerstone of the community and served as the place for social gatherings. In the Homeland community, the Methodist Church was one of those places.


Originally known as Bethel Methodist Church, it dates back to 1878 and was said to be a simple wooden structure that did not have any lights or windows. That old building was replaced by the Homeland Methodist Church in 1887.

One of the features that stands out when looking at this church is the towering steeple.  The original steeple was destroyed by a hurricane in 1946, and was replaced by one made of aluminum.

Another striking feature is the stain glass windows, uncommon for a country church.  Looking through the windows, you can see their brilliant colors shining into the sanctuary.

The church was donated in 1986 and was moved from just off the park property to its current location.

Pole Barn

While the church was the heart of the community, the pole barn was the center of daily life. This outbuilding was the hub of work on the farm.  It was used to store farming equipment and served as shelter for farm animals.

A walk around the barn provides a glimpse into the strenuous daily work.  Farm equipment and an old carriage on display inside the barn are a far cry from the mechanized equipment used today.

Homeland Houses

Visitors to the Homeland Heritage Park can get a glimpse of two different styles of living in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  One of the homes on display is a single-pen log cabin, a single room cabin with a door and a few windows. It was built by Cornelius and James “Jackson” English in 1888 and used as a family residence until the early 1900s.

The wrap around porch was an important part of the cabin and was often the location where daily chores were done.  Sometimes families even slept outside on the porch because it was cooler than inside. The cabin was used by the English family until 1989, when it was donated to the Homeland Heritage Park.

A second residence on park property represented the more affluent pioneers.  The Raulerson House, built in 1900, originally sat at what is now the intersection of County Line Road and Interstate 4 on the west side of Lakeland. It never had running water or indoor plumbing.  The story on the sign at the park says the Raulerson family and the five children lived downstairs in the house, while their grove foreman and his family lived on the second floor.

The Raulersons lived in the house until 1912 and it remained in the family until 1987, when it was donated and moved to the Homeland Heritage Park.

Other Buildings and Park Features

 Two other buildings at the Homeland Heritage Park serve as the park office and the park annex building.  Both were original buildings from the Methodist Church.

A garden, an old cemetery and an outhouse are also part of the exhibit.

What is unique about this park is that the buildings on display are all original buildings once used or lived in within the county. Rather than tearing them down to make room for newer structures, they were donated to the county by their owners and moved to this location.  Homeland Heritage Park is an example other communities could follow to preserve their own history.

Floridiana Magazine (FM) Notes:

The park is open every day to allow visitors the opportunity to take a step back in time and walk through an early community.  You cannot go inside the buildings unless you call to schedule a tour.  The office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Lukas Nursery and Butterfly Encounter: It’s More than Just a Nursery

Who would think a plant nursery would be included on a list of places to go in Florida? Besides having everything you need for your garden, Lukas Nursery offers an hour or so of good old family fun, plus there is a century of history behind it. Not to mention, it is considered one of the top 25 largest attractions in Central Florida.

Butterfly Encounter

Sometimes you just happen across one of those unexpected finds; you go someplace for one reason, and find something completely surprising.  The Butterfly Encounter is one of those places.  Although our first visit was about four years ago, there’s nothing like experiencing it through the eyes of a child.  From the walk up the pathway to the encounter itself, it is just plain cool.

Just inside the gift shop, you receive a laminated card with photo identifiers of all the butterflies (and birds) you may see, along with a quick tutorial on why you cannot touch any of these winged wonders outside the refueling station. (More on that later.)

The Butterfly Encounter delivers on the experience.  The screened-in, garden-like setting provides butterflies ample space to flit among the plants, getting their fill of the nectar while offering photo opportunities to even the youngest of photographers.

A new experience awaits you around every turn of the meandering pathway, including the “Caterpillar Flight School.” Perhaps the most fun, for kids and adults alike, is the Butterfly Refueling Station – a place where a dab of sugar water on your fingertips makes you the source of their food.  Don’t be surprised if they land elsewhere – to the delight of some, uncertainty to others.

When we asked my granddaughter Story her favorite part of the encounter, she said, “Seeing all the butterflies. And when it landed on my dress!”

No matter where you look, whether it’s in the trees or along the path, you’re sure to see more than just butterflies. This 4,000 square foot conservatory also serves as home to a covey of button quail and a number of brightly colored finches.

On the way out, don’t forget to take a good look around the gift shop.  If you need a unique present, you’re sure to find something for just about anyone on your list.

The Butterfly Encounter is open year-round, but the best time to see the butterflies is April through September.  The hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but the last admission into the encounter is at 3:30.  There is a $6.00 charge for anyone over the age of three.

Lukas Nursery

The fun doesn’t end with the Butterfly Encounter.  The nursery itself offers a relaxing walk among thousands of varieties of plants, from the ordinary to the exotic.

If you’re in the market for some unique garden art, then Lukas is the right place!  Not to mention, the statues provide even more entertainment for your kids or grandkids.

Noah loves all of the statues!

Lukas Nursery and Butterfly Encounter is a fourth-generation agricultural business and has grown from 50 one-gallon cans of woody ornamental plants to about 25 acres of plants, a garden shop and the butterfly encounter.

History of the Lukas Family

The nursery has been serving Central Florida for more than 100 years.  Paul and Mary Lukas, both Czechoslovakian immigrants, along with six other families, moved from Ohio to Florida in 1911. They settled in an area in what is now Seminole County and, in keeping with their European roots, named it Slavia.  Signs of the original settlement can still be seen – on road signs or an abandoned building just down the street from the nursery.

The family began farming in 1912 and has remained in the same location for its 100 + years. Over the years, improvements have been made, services added and the business expanded.  The one constant, however, has been the family.  (You can read more about the family and the business on the nursery’s website.)

Lukas Nursery sits on Slavia Road between Highway 417 and West State Road 426 near Oviedo.  Whether you are looking for a place to buy plants for your house or a place to spend an hour or so with your kids or grandkids, Lukas is the place.