The Aquatic Garden is an irregular shaped cement basin, approximately 2½ feet deep, 30 feet wide and 70 feet long. Tall cottonwood and oak trees surround this ornamental water garden, but the sunlight fuses through to the center of the pond where 40 hardy water lily plants rest year round. Considering that they only receive five hours of direct sunlight per day, they very generously offer an array of colorful blossoms, sometimes as many as 60 at one time. The best months to view the lilies in bloom are mid-June through August.

Various coves and edges of the pond provide habitat for many tropical aquatic plants. Taro, with its elephant ear-shaped leaves, umbrella plant, and the ten foot high mop heads of the papyrus lend a more exotic feel to the garden. The floating water hyacinths are the most prolific and delight visitors with their many purple flowers, but others recognize them as the culprit that chocks Florida waterways.

One specie of canna lilies have adapted to the water and always amuse visitors who have only seen them grow in terrestrial gardens. Their large blossoms rival the lotus plant, which sports a seven inch fragrant flower. A mass of arrowhead and iris plants emerges from large wooden crates which rest on the bottom of the pond.

The creek and gazebo are two adjoining features that make the Aquatic Garden one of the favorite areas in the park. Visitors often follow the narrow, winding fern-lined path that follows the flow of the 60-foot long creek. The water eventually goes under a wooden bridge before entering the pond. This bridge leads to the gazebo, a popular wedding venue. A pirouette brass fountain in front of the gazebo gracefully arches fine streams of water and adds the sound of falling water to the pleasure of those who rest in the gazebo.

The Aquatic Garden has been tended for six years by Cheryl McCormick of The Water’s Edge, LLC. She finds this garden is a relaxing place to work because people always enjoy the water, its reflections, sounds, unusual plants, fish and frogs. Visitors often linger and share their good moods and appreciation.