Global Water Gardening Enthusiasts Gather for a Successful IWGS Symposium

Every summer, the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (IWGS) holds a symposium in various locations worldwide, including China, Canada, the United States, France, Mexico, Thailand, Germany, and the Caribbean. This year, the event took place in Reading, UK, attracting approximately one hundred attendees, from hybridizers to growers to hobbyists and more.

The symposium aims to foster networking, education, and inspiration within the water gardening community, with a special focus on waterlilies. This year’s event featured tours of four distinguished English gardens and an education day with global experts.

RHS Wisley

The first stop for symposium attendees was RHS Wisley, a garden that boasts impeccably maintained grounds and beds. The Royal Horticultural Society’s mission, “a world where gardening is embraced as a way of life,” is evident in Wisley’s 240 acres of plants, flowers, and water gardens. A highlight of the visit was the Waterlily Pavilion, where an array of vibrant waterlilies float serenely in a formal pond. The Glass House, showcasing various tropical lilies and aquatic plants, also captivated visitors.

Kew Gardens

Next on the itinerary was the world-renowned Kew Gardens, the most biodiverse place on earth with over 50,000 plants. The Princess of Wales Conservatory, featuring all three types of Victoria waterlilies (amazonica, boliviania, and cruziana) is a must-see for water gardening enthusiasts. The Waterlily House, built in 1852, is another favorite display of lilies, including the largest waterlily in the world – Victoria boliviana.

After its discovery, Victoria boliviana received three Guinness World Record titles including largest species of waterlily, largest waterlily leaf, and largest undivided leaf. The discovery and identification of this new lily was led by Carlos Magdalena, a senior botanical horticulturist at Kew and a world expert on waterlilies.

Longstock Park Water Garden

The second day began with a visit to Longstock Park Water Garden, described as “the finest water garden in the world” by the IWGS. Spanning six acres, the garden’s grassy paths, wooden bridges, and tranquil ponds created a fairy tale-like atmosphere. Home to at least 40 species of waterlilies, Longstock Park Water Garden left a lasting impression on visitors.

Bennett’s Water Gardens

The group then traveled to Dorset to explore Bennett’s Water Gardens, which houses the National Plant Collection® of Waterlilies. Grass pathways led attendees through ten ponds adorned with stunning waterlily displays. Architectural features like arched bridges and gazebos added to the garden’s charm. The day concluded with an authentic English fish and chips dinner with the local mayor and his wife at the garden before returning to Reading.

Education Day

Friday was dedicated to informative sessions featuring speakers from around the world. Notably, Zijun Li, the hybridizer of the popular Nymphaea ‘Detective Erika’, discussed the history and evolution of waterlily hybridization. He also revealed his current project: developing a small Victoria waterlily suitable for small ponds or containers. The highlight of Education Day was the induction of Carlos Magdalena into the IWGS Hall of Fame.

The symposium includes both pre- and post-symposium days for those looking to lengthen the amazing experience. Aquascape is a proud sponsor of the IWGS and its symposium. The dates for the 2025 IWGS Symposium have yet to be announced. For future updates, visit the IWGS website.