The lotus flower rising and blooming above the murk symbolizes enlightenment and spiritual awakening in Buddhism
[Note: This post is from the 2017 bloom, so ignore the festival dates. This give you an idea of what to expect when you go see the bloom!]
Of all the big annual blooms that occur in the DC area, the lotus flowers and water lilies at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens may just be my favorite one. Not only is the sight of the bursting pink, white, and peachy hued flora absolutely breathtaking, its secluded location — the park is located in an unexpected part of Northeast DC just blocks from the buzz of 295 — makes it a glorious oasis of beautiful nature in the city.
The bloom begins early to mid summer and peaks around the middle of July. It’s just about hitting that point right now, and we visited yesterday to take in the spectacular scene.
The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival t0 celebrate it all is happening this Saturday, July 15. (Note: This post is from 2017!) It’s a fantastic event that we try to attend every year with activities for kids; cultural dance performances; gardening workshops; and park tours.
No matter when you go, this bloom is one you have to see. And while this time of year is the most colorful at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, a visit there is great any time (but a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent recommended if you go now). You can read more about the park and get logistics for visiting in this KFDC post. In the meantime, here are images from our outing there yesterday for a peek at the peak… okay, more than a peek, but it’s so beautiful, I couldn’t decide which pics to post!
A close look at a seed pod
Dragon flies don’t feed on lotus, but lay eggs in water plants and perch on them
A sea of lotus flowers
Have your camera ready – photos ops abound!
Pouring water to watch it roll right of the lotus’ superhydrophic leaves
As Sasha noted, the great blue heron is like a celebrity and park visitors the paprazzi
Cattail sprouts up along the ponds
A view from above
Pickerwelweed adds a pretty pop of purple (and some p alliteration)
Turtles are a common sight in the waters
The giant leaves are just as amazing to see as the flowers
One last shot of the gorgeous scene
Oh, just one more… last one, I promise!
