On Sunday, April 17, 2011, the Lake Eola Heights Historic Neighborhood Association will present the fifth biennial tour of ‘The Private Gardens of Historic Lake Eola Heights’. This year’s event will build on what has become a very popular feature on Orlando’s calendar of gardening events.
The tour is designed to provide our guests an opportunity to experience some of the charming, hidden places found within the neighborhood. Take your time, stop and smell the roses and stroll along beautiful brick streets dappled by sunlight that has been filtered through a veil of oak boughs and Spanish moss.
The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will return for the 2011 Garden Tour. There will be additional musicians placed amongst the gardens as well. Building upon the idea of blending art with natural beauty plein air artists will be painting in and around the gardens too. Paintings featuring the gardens on display will be available for sale. Plant & garden accessory vendors will be set up at ‘Garden Central’ to allow guests to purchase plants & accessories for their gardens at home. Plant experts will be available to offer tour attendees gardening advice.
The self-guided tour begins at noon and ends at 5:00 pm. You may pick up your ticket at the Handy Pantry Market, otherwise known as ‘Garden Central’, which is located at 522 East Amelia Street, at the intersection of East Amelia Street and Cathcart Avenue. There will be a total of 10 homes and you may visit as many as you wish. The tour is $15.00 per person over the age of 12 on the day of the tour or $10.00 in advance. Portions of the proceeds will go to the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and to the neighborhood association’s general fund.
Below is a list of all the gardens:
1. 600 E. Amelia St. 1999
This Herb-an Oasis may be on a small lot but it makes good use of limited space and sunshine. Check out the containerized herb garden in terra cotta pots. Its proximity to the kitchen makes for an easy harvest at meal time. The self pollinating olive reliably provides delicious fruit in Florida
gardens.
2. 417 E. Amelia Street 1926
The Cypress Allée is one of the striking aspects of this meticulous garden. An addition to the rear of the home takes advantage of the axial view flanked by the allée and a guest cottage. A sculptural focal point
completes this stunning, contemporary garden.
3. 229 E Amelia Street 1911
This Victorian Rose has a charming English-styled cottage garden nestled between the big house and a quaint guest house, full of colorful perennials and roses. To celebrate the home’s 100 th anniversary, guests will be able to tour the first floor of this gracious home as well as the garden.
4. 302 E Amelia Street 1918
The Pocket Garden between this recently restored craftsman style home and the carriage house makes perfect use of a small space. The newly constructed perimeter wall is perfectly matched to the architectural detailing of the main home and contains the colorful public portion of this charming
garden.
5. 346 Hillman 1914
The Orchid Arbor Garden is the perfect retreat from life in the busy city. The charming brick pathway and soothing sounds of the fountain help to wash away the cares of the world. Come, sit and relax in this beautiful bower.
6. 629 E. Livingston St. 1935
The Entertaining Garden focuses more on the built environment and with stunning results by creating a garden that truly turns things inside out. Were it not for the sky over head, you might feel you have just walked into the family room.
Bonus Offering - Square Foot Gardening
615 E Livingston St 1890
While this ‘bonus’ stop may not include a private garden, it is a great example of Square Foot gardening. Located in the sunniest spot, which happens to be the front yard, this garden is a delicious way to enjoy the bounty of nature! Become inspired by this very sustainable approach to urban landscaping.
7. 701 E. Ridgewood St. 1935
This beautiful ‘Perennial’ Garden is so called as it has been on all five tours! Not only is it ‘perennially’ stunning, but it has evolved over the years from a shady retreat to one of tropical splendor, embracing the brilliant Florida sunshine with a wonderful display of palms and other tropical foliage.
8. 1023 E. Livingston St. 1909
This Kid’s Play Garden is designed to accommodate the needs of an active household. The beautifully paved driveway functions as a patio for outdoor events. The lush lawn is great for all kinds of fun. Check out the secret garden on the east side of the home.
9. 427 N. Summerlin Ave. 1993
The Meditation Garden is nestled serenely between the home and the garage showing how to use an intimate space that most gardeners might over-look, to its best advantage. This unexpected oasis in the midst of the city is truly a beautiful surprise.
10. 717 E. Concord St. 1925
This garden has a ‘Passion for Tropicals’. The beautifully simple bungalow has just undergone a significant addition to better take advantage of the elegant pool setting surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. The Red Passion Vine on the wall of the garage provides a beautiful green screen to diminish the heat of the Florida sun.