It’s not often you have the chance to stop and smell the waterlilies, but thanks to a temporary viewing tank in the sunken garden area of the Island Garden you can do just that. Through Labor Day weekend you can see (and smell) a special waterlily collection that came to Powell Gardens as part of the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society’s 2015 symposium in August.

The raised tank allows you to get up close to experience the amazing fragrances from this collection, all of which are hybrids developed by Florida’s Craig Presnell, one of the top waterlily hybridizers in the world.

Here are a few gems from the collection:

‘Zolfo Star’ (photo by Alan Branhagen)

‘Finn O’Hagen’ (photo by Alan Branhagen)

‘Foxfire’ (photo by Alan Branhagen)

The waterlilies in the rest of the Island Garden will continue to shine through September but the temporary tank comes down after Labor Day.

Labor Day weekend also brings your last chance to see the 27 LEGO brick sculptures by New York artist Sean Kenney.

While you’re on the Island Garden, check out the family of LEGO brick ducks. Their habitat has changed dramatically since the exhibit opened in May!

A visit on this Saturday or Sunday also includes a look at the award-winning dahlias grown by members of the Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society.

We look forward to seeing you in the Gardens! Plan your visit today.