Waterlily Celebration Returns to McKee Botanical Garden

Enjoy the garden’s 80-plus waterlily varieties and vote for your favorite entry in the Seventeenth Annual Waterlily Photo Contest on June 18

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McKee Botanical Gardens waterlilies. Photos by JPR Images 3
McKee Botanical Gardens waterlilies. Photo by JPR Images

All are welcome to celebrate the beauty of McKee’s striking plant collection during the Seventeenth Annual Waterlily Celebration on June 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the late spring and summer months, McKee’s ponds and waterways bloom with one of Florida’s largest waterlily collections, with more than 80 varieties. In addition to their beauty, these spectacular aquatic flowers help to oxygenate the water with their leaves and provide essential food and shelter for fish.

To bring more beauty to the celebration, McKee Botanical Garden accepted photo submissions for the Seventeenth Annual Waterlily Photo Contest through June 7. Photographers submitted their film and/or digital shots of waterlilies and lotuses from McKee Botanical Garden in 2021 or 2022. Photos will be judged by a panel on June 17. All submissions will be on display in the Historic Hall of Giants during the Annual Waterlily Celebration, and visitors will have an opportunity to cast their vote for the “People’s Choice” award during this event.

McKee Botanical Gardens waterlilies. Photos by JPR Images 1
Photo by JPR Images

The winning People’s Choice photo will be recognized along with the first place, second place, third place, and honorable mention winners in the adult categories. The youth division will not have an overall winner. Instead, first, second, and third place winners will be chosen in individual categories. Winning photos from all divisions will be featured on McKee’s website.

McKee Botanical Gardens waterlilies. Photos by JPR Images 2
Photo by JPR Images

Admission to the Waterlily Celebration is $15 for adults; $13 for seniors and children ages 13 to 17; and $10 for children ages 2 to 12. McKee members and children younger than 2 are free. For more information, call (772) 794-0601 or click here.

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