McKee Botanical Garden is currently accepting photo submissions for the 17th Annual Waterlily Photo Contest in conjunction with the Annual Waterlily Celebration to be held on Saturday, June 18 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.
The Garden is currently accepting submissions for its annual photo contest through Tuesday, June 7. Photos must be of waterlilies and lotus photographed at McKee Botanical Garden in 2021 or 2022 with a film or digital camera. Participants may submit one photo in each of three style categories: Color, Black and White, and Manipulated. A Youth category is also available for aspiring photographers ages 17 and under. A complete list of rules with the entry form can be found at http://www.mckeegarden.org.  Photos will be judged by a panel of judges on Friday, June 17. All submissions will be on display in the Historic Hall of Giants during the Annual Waterlily Celebration on June 18, and visitors will have an opportunity to cast their vote for the “People’s Choice” award during this event.
The winning People’s Choice photo will be recognized along with the first, second and third place winners and an honorable mention winner in the adult categories. The youth division will not be judged in individual categories but overall, first, second and third place winners will be chosen. Winning photos from all divisions will be featured on McKee’s website.
Come celebrate the beauty of McKee’s most striking plant collection during the 17th Annual Waterlily Celebration on Saturday, June 18 from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. During the late spring and summer months McKee’s ponds and waterways are adorned with one of the state’s largest collections of waterlilies, which features over 80 varieties with over 300 potted and 100 free-range plants including night-blooming and day- blooming varieties. Not only are these spectacular aquatic flowers beautiful to admire, but they also help to oxygenate the water with their leaves while providing essential food and shelter for fish.
Admission: Adults $15, Seniors $13/Youth (13-17), Children (ages 2-12) $10. McKee members and children under 2 are free. For more information, call 772-794-0601.
This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
Photo by JPR Images