Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Lotus Garden in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Native American lotus, Nelumbo lutea, growing naturally in Virginian freshwater.
Hello all!
Summer is flying by here at Havenwood, with garden plans progressing on most days. We did take a break, however, and enjoy some beach time in Virginia this month. We were able to see some beautiful nature lotus gardens along the way and I knew that you all would enjoy them too!



The lotus have multiplied greatly even in the past two years.
This garden is dedicated to a Mrs. Reed who helped to preserve this area.
Each flower is open for about three days, opening in the sun and closing at night.
N. lutea is very similar to Nelumbo nucifera, which is native to Asia and Australia and blooms pink.
Young leaves and seeds (known as "alligator corn") were eaten by Native Americans.
Yellow lotus are hardy to zone 4, as long as their roots are deep enough not to freeze. You might be seeing these at Havenwood sometime in the future. ;)
More on Nelumbo lutea (...go ahead, say it... a very fun name, yes?)


Other lovely gardens we have visited in Virginia:  
Glen Burnie Gardens in Winchester, VA
Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia

7 comments:

  1. What a beautiful flower. My hubby wants a pond in our back yard, and this would be lovely. But I wonder if Koi would eat it. Hubby loves Koi. :)

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  2. Thanks Margaret! I really do not know, but I would think they could co-exist.
    ~Julie

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  3. Magnificent photos ♥ ♥ ♥
    If I more had some room, I would make a water source with water plants.

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  4. Julie that is quite a sight...I rarely see this native in the wild.

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    1. It really was, Donna. And it is right near the highway. I read that the salt water has stopped infiltrating this area in recent years, so the flowers are taking off like never before.
      ~Julie

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  5. Love those swathes of Lotuses! That last photo, in particular, is simply stunning! I think Virginia must be the best place in the world for gardening! I'm glad you're having a great summer!

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