INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — McKee Botanical Gardens will be fully abloom during its 8th annual Waterlily Celebration, where one of Florida’s largest collections of 120 varieties and nearly 300 waterlilies will be on full display. Thirty new species have been added to the waterlily collection this year, bringing even more bursts of color to McKee’s ponds and waterways.
“McKee is renowned for its vast collection of waterlilies,” stated McKee Botanical Garden Executive Director Christine Hobart. “The Waterlily Celebration is a chance for visitors to not only see the collection at its peak, but learn more about the care and maintenance of aquatic plants and enjoy art and educational activities at no additional cost.”
Among those featured will be Colorado, Texas Dawn and Victoria Amazonica plus the award-winning Chaz. Experts also will be onsite to answer plant questions and provide one-on-one assistance to visitors.
The event will be held June 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Summer admission rates apply. Gates will open early at 8:30 am, allowing visitors to take an early-morning stroll through the Garden to get a rare glimpse of its night-blooming varieties before their delicate petals retreat for the day.
Throughout the day, organizers will host several activities, including demonstrations, photo contests, plant sales, and painting.
Elizabeth’s at the Garden Café will be open at 9 a.m. serving coffee, pastries, and cold beverages as well as light lunch fare.
The Waterlily Celebration is sponsored by the AT&T Real Yellow Pages.
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 1, Vero Beach.
Summer admission fees are $7 adults, $6 seniors and $4 children ages 3 to 12. Admission is free for members and children under 3.
Normal 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.
The schedule of activities for the Waterlily Celebration is as follows:
- 9 and 10:30 a.m.: Waterlily repotting demonstration
- 9 a.m. – Noon: Waterlily photo contest and voting
- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. : Aquatic and tropical plant sale – plus spices and vintage garden accents
- 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.: Waterlily photography class with Pat Rice of the Indian River Photo Club
- 10 a.m. – Noon: Painting by local artists
