A Trip to Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

by hankinslawrenceimages | Jul 5, 2010 | Flowers, Malvaceae Family, Nymphaeaceae Family, Photo Locations, Washington DC

Bill and I headed into Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens  yesterday morning. I’d heard that the lotuses (Nelumbo nucifera) were blooming early this year – and I needed to test out one of my cameras that had been out for repairs. The gardens are located in Washington, DC and are part of the National Capital Parks – East, a collection of parks, parkways and sites in DC and Maryland.

The lotuses were absolutely spectacular this year. Here are some of my favorite photos from yesterday’s visit to the Aquatic Gardens.

As usual, there were plenty of bees at the gardens – I was really pleased to capture this pair in my photo. They had been flying in and out of the blossom for a few minutes when I took the photo.

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

Looking down into the center of newly opened lotus blossom. I love the color and texture of the seed head.

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

And finally a lotus that had just begun to open up it’s petals

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

Along the edge of one of the ponds, I found a member of the mallow family. I love the bright bold colors of the flower. I haven’t been able to identify what variety of mallow or hibiscus this is. Does anyone recognize it?

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

And finally a pink water lily

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

I try to visit Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens at least once a summer. The flowers are always wonderful and every time I visit, I find something wonderful to photograph. I’m hoping to visit the gardens at least once more this summer.