See Whose Photos Won at McKee’s 20th Annual Waterlily Celebration!

McKee Botanical Garden

McKee’s historic waterlilies—trace their lineage to seeds originally transported from the Amazon Jungle to the Royal Park Exotic Nursery and introduced into the ponds and watery mazes of McKee Jungle Gardens in 1932 by renowned landscape architect William Lyman Phillips.  Their elegance and aquatic grace—have captivated painters and photographers for almost four generations.

McKee and Me by Jordan F -- 2nd place, youth

Dragonfly Sitting on a Lily by William Crosby -- 3rd place, youth category

The 20th Annual Waterlily Celebration offered yet another opportunity to honor these botanical treasures through the lens of photography. More than 60 entries were submitted and judged by two accomplished photographers, Pat Rice and Denise Ritchie, who selected the best representations in three categories: color, black and white, and manipulated. A special youth division encouraged younger artists to participate, while visitors on Saturday, June 14th, cast their votes for the "People’s Choice Award."

Diminishing Beauty by Teresa Milanese -- 1st place, black and white

Solitude by Jennifer Jones -- Honorable mention, black and white

Nelumbo Nucifera (Indian Lotus) by Gregory Albright -- 3rd place, color

The resulting collection was displayed in the Hall of Giants around "The Board," creating a stunning showcase of McKee’s summer stars. Complementing the exhibition were Plein-air artists, aquatic plant vendors, and representatives from the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, who offered valuable insight into current plant blights and invasive species. Together, these elements made for a vibrant and informative celebration of McKee’s enduring horticultural legacy. Click here to watch a short video recap of the event.

Busy Bee by Joanna H. -- 1st place, youth category

Darkness Falls by Ray McTeague -- 3rd place, black and white

Good Morning by Lisa Campbell

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