MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN TO HOST 17TH ANNUAL WATERLILY CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Vero Beach, FL – May 31, 2022 – McKee Botanical Garden will host its 17th Annual Waterlily Celebration on Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Come celebrate the beauty of McKee’s most striking plant collection during the 17th Annual Waterlily Celebration. During the late spring and summer months, McKee’s ponds and waterways are adorned with one of the state’s largest collections of waterlilies, which features over 80 varieties with over 300 potted and 100 free-range plants including night-blooming and day-blooming varieties. Not only are these spectacular aquatic flowers beautiful to admire, but they also help to oxygenate the water with their leaves while providing essential food and shelter for fish.
During this time of year, the beauty and serenity of the Garden is enhanced by these aquatic wonders of the natural world. Their delicate and graceful flowers bring a sense of peace and tranquility, beckoning us to slow our pace and take time to admire one of nature’s most spectacular gifts. Each year they reawaken in a rainbow of pastel and jewel tones and in a variety of textures and fragrances. The hardier waterlilies (Nymphae) appear to dance and float on the water, while the tropical and exotic Lotus (Nelumbo) emerges from the water as if to be reaching toward the sun and sky high above the surface.
The Garden opens earlier at 8:30 am during this one-day event which offers our visitors a rare opportunity to admire the night-blooming varieties before they retreat and a chance to marvel at the day-bloomers. These aquatic jewels will be gracing us with their presence until the cooler temperatures begin to arrive in the fall.
Enjoy local artists creating original works of art “en plein air” throughout the Garden. A variety of aquatic plants, bromeliads, and orchids will be available for purchase. Observe hands-on repotting demonstrations and speak with our plant experts about their importance, various species, variety of colors, growing periods, and blooming frequencies.
Photos from the Annual Waterlily Photo contest will be on display in the historic Hall of Giants and visitors will have an opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice” award. The Garden is still accepting photos for submission until June 7. For more details about the Waterlily Photo Contest, please visit https://mckeegarden.org/class/17th-annual-waterlily-celebration/.
Event Hours: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. (The Garden will remain open until 5:00 pm with the last admission ticket sold at 4:00 pm). Admission: $15 Adults, $13 Seniors (65+)/Youth (13-17), $10 Children (ages 2-12). 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.
