Oh boy! Some of my favorite summer flowers are water lilies. And apparently I suggested(and Sarah too, oops forgot to mention this) this theme for Denzil’s weekly challenge. I don’t remember that but yay! At my local conservatory, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park to be exact, there are ponds with Victoria Water Lilies. These aren’t your everyday white and yellow water lilies that are abundant in northern Minnesota. Oh no! These are the giant and very colorful water lilies. I didn’t know this until I googled to see when the lilies bloom but Como is the only public garden in Minnesota to grow and display the exotic lilies. Check out more information at the link if you desire.
I have photographed these gorgeous flowers before but when I saw this week’s challenge I decided to take a special trip this morning to capture some more photographs. Como Park is very popular so I wanted to get there before the crowd did so that I can park and then take my time. I love it when a plan comes together as I had the place to myself just after 9:00. I noticed that one pond had been drained so I’m not sure what has happened there but there were plenty of blooms and water plants to enjoy.
I want to start off with some of my favorites from past visits and then below is my gallery of this morning’s visit.
The gallery from this morning’s visit follows. They didn’t seem as abundant as in years past which might have something to do with the drought that has plagued Minnesota both last year and this year. I’m not sure but I think I got a few good ones today. I also focused on the other water plants to add to this collection for the theme this week. Click on any photo in the gallery to see a larger image and to read captions.
travels with toby 
Beautiful! I love that you made a special trip for this! The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens has a stunning lily pond. This makes me want to visit.
It was a beautiful morning and the park is less than 10 minutes away. You should go see that lily pond! Of course after you’re all healed up. Thanks for looking 👍
Stunning Toby! This indeed is a special place.
It is! Thanks for looking 👍
These are wonderful Toby :)
Glad you enjoyed them 👍
I have never seen a water lily with mottled leaves! And my other favorite is the one with the flat spreading plant with round edges with the spiky plant (and a few others). I like that composition. :)
Glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for stopping by!
You have captured some very unique water plants; I would have loved to see them in person.
Thanks so much for your comment. The photos are pretty good but you’re right, much better in person.
Really stunning photos, Toby! I need to revisit the Conservatory — and soon. It’s such wonderful destination at any time of year.
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed them! I agree and I try to go at least a couple of times a year. 👍