2010 IWGS Symposium - San Angelo, TX

Greetings from the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society's annual symposium!  This conference takes place in a different location each summer and is attended by pond experts from all over the world.  This year the conference is being held in San Angelo, TX - home of the stunning International Waterlily Collection (IWC).  This is one of the largest collections of waterlilies in the world and is maintained by noted waterlily hybridizer Ken Landon.

This morning, I had my first glimpse of the IWC, and it definitely lives up to expectations!  Over 200 varieties of waterlilies from all over the world are on display in several formal pools.  These pools are connected by several small waterfalls and are edged with marginal aquatics including taro, papyrus, umbrella palm, and canna.  Black dye is added to the water to aid in algae control and to highlight the dramatic leaves and blooms of the plants.

Tomorrow morning, classes will begin in subjects including waterlily hybridization, water quality management, botanical latin, and lotus in China.  

Saturday will mark the start of "Lily Fest", an annual event held at the IWC that gives visitors the opportunity to view all of the amazing waterlilies on display and to speak with Ken Landon about his work in curating the collection.  

Classes in the afternoon will cover topics including storage techniques for waterlily tubers and seeds, the use of floating islands to improve water quality, and how to choose quality koi for a pond.  

Saturday evening, the winners of the New Waterlily Competition will be revealed at last! 

Stay tuned for a list of the official winners, as well as a list of the winning lilies chosen by the public in the 2010 "People's Choice Awards".