Thursday, January 19, 2012

Texas Dawn

In the heat and drought of this summer in Texas, Cindy and I traveled to San Angelo for my eldest sons wedding. As you can see from the image below it was so hot and dry the prickly pear cacti were even shriveling from the lack of aqua.

Some of you have seen the images I photographed in the serene setting of Cristoval Vineyards and Winery.  But, when I was there I also visited the International Waterlily Collection on my way home, almost as an afterthought. Cindy asked me where I was going after we left the hotel, probably wondering what wild gardening goose chase are we on now! "Do you know we have 500 miles to drive?" In other words I got the look. "Well, honey I want to visit the world famous International Water Lily Collection" I replied matter of factually.
  I got the look again 
Well after we finally got there, we both enjoyed it immensely. (At least I think I/we did? Didn't you honey?)  Seriously it was a pleasant surprise.
I'm sure many of the Texas bloggers have given previous posts about this little gem of a public park so I won't go into a full blown description. Below is a link to a pdf file describing the exhibition.

 This blog post title was derived from a video about the 'Texas Dawn' water lilly created at the San Angelo park which in April 2011 was selected as the official waterlily plant of Texas. Interesting video.
Since this visit was in early October the lily's were in  full bloom. I won't show all the photos but a few of the high points.
Tropical lily pads.




immutabulus







 Rhonda Kay
St.Louis Marmorata
Texas shell pink? I think
Blue Cloud
Awesome flowers! Some of the most beautiful I've ever seen.
Well, I'm getting the look, time to wander back home.




36 comments:

  1. Very cool park. We are having a perfect year as far as rain goes. Sorry you all down there are having a drought.
    nellie

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  2. They had so many different varieties...beautiful! We hope to add a small pond in the backyard in the next year or two, and it would be so nice to see those blooms floating on the top. It sounds as if you had a great trip.

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    1. Definitely a nice trip! Those blooms were so outstanding.

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  3. Yes it was definitely hot and dry here last year. Those are beautiful waterlilies and some lovely photos. I'll have to stop and see them next time I'm in that area.

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    1. Yes you should. West Texas has it's own ambiance or flavor.

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  4. Yes, Cindy does look thrilled! LOL

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  5. I really enjoyed the tour. Blue Cloud is really something, amazing images too.

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  6. I know "that look". But the primo pics and seeing such a garden is all worth it and getting behind on work, at least I think! Only have been to San Angelo once, but that would be worth seeing next time.

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  7. Lots of rain here now, but no floating flowers. So pretty.

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    1. Give it a little time, they may be floating by soon...lol.

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  8. Roles would be reversed here. I'd be the one getting 'the look'..haha
    Looks like an interesting place to visit.

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    1. Yes Linda you should stop there sometime if your in the region. It's seems I was there for peak bloom in early October.

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  9. Glad Cindy was overruled, just so we could see these pics! These photos are gorgeous. I love waterlilies, and I didn't know about this park. But the next time I'm close by there, I will make a point to stop (even if I get 'the look' from my husband)! :)

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    1. It would definitely be worth it if your near by. Sept-Oct is peak I believe.

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  10. I think Cindy is a read trooper just like my P. What he puts up with and he even manages a smile (or is it a grimace?)
    Your photographs illustrate the park beautifully. I've only ever seen lily pads in the Edinburgh Botanic Glasshouses. Someone said a small child could stand on one...

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  11. Dear Greggo, I got my first water lily last summer. They need a lot of space and I wish my pond was big enough for a show like this! Beautiful! P x

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  12. How beautiful Greg. I love water lilies and wish I had a place for them in the garden. The Tropical Lily pads are just amazing.I am always awed at how big they are. Just magnificent!

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  13. I dragged(or is it drugged?) my wife to Longwood one August when it was nearing 100. The waterlily collection was the only thing she remembers enjoying, other than the air conditioned restaurant. When it gets hot, she shuts down.

    I think my favorite here is Rhonda Kay.

    Les

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  14. I love waterlily's but don't have a "water feature". The collection at Lomgwood Gardens is amazing if you ever have a chance to go there.

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    1. They are breathtaking flowers. I hope to have a stock tank pond this summer and maybe One lily. Longwood would be special I'm sure.

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  15. Water lilies and lily pads are incredible to me. When I lived in SC there was a drainage pond behind the Winn Dixie that would fill with water lilies. The first time I saw it I gasped so loud my husband nearly wrecked the car. Viewing them through your blog is much safer!!

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  16. Oh my gosh- beautiful shots of the water lilies!!!!! Definitely worth a trip!

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  17. That looks like an amazing place. I love 'Rhonda Kay', such gorgeous colours. Well worth a bit of a detour ;-)

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  18. The water lily's are fabulous! I had no idea Texas had something like this. Definitely worth a little side trip on your journey!

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  19. I’ve awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award: http://bit.ly/yhCUbI. Yay!!

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  20. Sounds like a great experience, and "the look" is familiar. Great shots of the Water Lilies!

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  21. I'm also familiar with the look and the question, "you want to go where?" Stunning photos.

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  22. Thanks for the post mate you have written it very well.

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  23. Wow, Water Lillies are so photogenic, aren't they? I miss mine. The Koi ate them.

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Thanks for leaving any comments, they are always welcomed. Sorry I had to add word verification as spam was becoming a huge problem. Greggo,