VERO BEACH — More than 75 species of waterlilies and 200 individual plants will be on display Saturday, June 19 during McKee Botanical Garden’s sixth annual “Waterlily Celebration.” The event also will feature guided tours of the waterlily collection, live animal interaction for children and adults, a waterlily raffle and sales of koi, waterlilies and other water gardening supplies.
“This event has become the highlight of our summer,” explained Executive Director Christine Hobart. “It’s a behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest outdoor waterlily collections in the country, as well as an opportunity for visitors to bring some of the spectacle home by starting their own water gardens.”
Scheduled activities at the Waterlily Celebration include:
9 a.m. Early-morning self-guided tour to view night-blooming lilies
9 – 10:30 a.m. En Plein Air painting demonstration by local artist Marlene Putnam
9 a.m. – noon Live native animal interaction with the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sales of aquatic plants, lily pots, fertilizer and koi
9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Repotting waterlilies demonstration
11 a.m. “Photographing Waterlilies” class with Pat Rice, president of the Indian River Photo Club
McKee’s waterlily collection includes both hardy and tropical species, including the giant Amazon Victoria Lily and rare lavender varieties. The plants are pruned weekly and fertilized every two weeks throughout the summer.
The Waterlily Celebration is sponsored by the “AT&T Real Yellow Pages.” Summer admission rates, $7 adults, $6 seniors and $4 children ages 5 to 12; free for members and children under 5, apply.
The mission of McKee Botanical Garden is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed Mondays.
Information: Call 772-794-0601 or visit www.mckeegarden.org.