International Water Lily Garden – San Angelo, Texas - Atlas Obscura

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International Water Lily Garden

An oasis of lilies cultivated by the "Indiana Jones of Water Lilies." 

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A small town in arid West Texas is home to the world’s premier collection of water lilies. The garden is a living museum of hybridization work by some of the masters of the craft. One of the greatest of those hybrids is the ‘Texas Dawn’, which is the official water lily of the state. 

The display is run by the same man behind the creation of the Texas Dawn: Ken Landon. His body of work is so vast that only a small percentage of the water lilies in his trove can be displayed in the public garden at a time. The display constantly rotates to show off the most suitable lilies of the season. 

Some of the lilies on display include the sunny Texas star, the massive Victoria, and even the Nymphaea Mexicana variety lauded by Monet. The garden is a treasure trove for botanists, while the casual viewer will still have the chance to explore and marvel at a one-of-a-kind oasis. 

Know Before You Go

Admission is free; displays rotate seasonally. 

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September 16, 2022

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