VERO BEACH, FL – May 19, 2023 – McKee Botanical Garden is hosting its 18th Annual Waterlily Celebration on Saturday, June 17 from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. This annual event draws hundreds of McKee members, horticultural enthusiasts, photographers, artists, and visitors from all over the state. The event features waterlily repotting demonstrations, plant sales, and plein air artists creating original works of art throughout the Garden. The Garden will open early for this one-day event at 8:30 am to give visitors an opportunity to view the night-blooming waterlilies as well as the day-blooming. Learn about the important role these aquatic plants play in protecting our ecosystem.
This event also features the Annual Waterlily Photo Contest. The contest is free to enter and open to McKee members as well as the public. All entries are to be submitted beginning June 13 through June 15 only, in the Administrative Offices at McKee. The photos must be of waterlilies and lotus photographed at McKee Botanical Garden in 2022 or 2023 with a film or digital camera. Participants may submit one photo in each of three style categories: Color, Black and White, and Manipulated. A Youth category is also available for aspiring photographers ages 17 and under. A complete list of rules with the entry form can be found at http://www.mckeegarden.org. Photos will be judged by a panel of judges on Friday, June 16. All submissions will be on display in the Historic Hall of Giants during the 18th Annual Waterlily Celebration on June 17, and visitors will have an opportunity to cast their vote for the “People’s Choice” award during this event.
The winning People’s Choice photo will be recognized along with the first, second and third place winners and an honorable mention winner in the adult categories. The youth division will not be judged in individual categories but overall, first, second and third place winners will be chosen.
Admission: Adults $15, Seniors $13/Youth (13-17), Children (ages 2-12) $10. McKee members and children under 2 are free. For more information, call 772-794-0601.
McKee Botanical Garden is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission 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.
