The Marlese Gourley Island Garden
This area is undergoing renovations through 2023 but will remain open to visitors.
Opened in 2001, the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden is the summer jewel of Powell Gardens. Tiered pools in this water garden offer a diverse array of aquatic plants in summer. Featured aquatic plants and wildlife include waterlilies, taro, umbrella palms, and friendly goldfish which fill the pools with texture, color and movement. The lotus and waterlily collections have been designated as certified collections by the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society.
As visitors traverse the winding path through this area, they will encounter the Sunken Garden, a hidden space enclosed by stone walls and flower beds leading to a two-tiered pool housing lotus.
Continuing along the pathway, view water-loving shrubs including Virginia sweetspire, buttonbush, and summersweet clethra along the shoreline of the 12-acre lake. Look for water-loving perennials such as iris, rose mallows, and cattails near the arbor and viewing deck.
What’s in Bloom?
Early-Spring
Snowdrops are the first to make their appearance on sunny, south-facing slopes and are followed by crocus and early daffodils.
Spring
Crabapples begin to bloom and display pools are filled with water in early-March. Hardy marginal plants are the first plants displayed in the pools, followed by hardy water lilies later in the spring.
Summer
Colorful lotus add life to our Sunken Garden and waterlilies are at their prime within the larger pool.s. Smooth hydrangeas with their subtle green blooms soften the rock elements of this garden.
Fall
You’ll find asters and autumn crocus, along with our fall display of annuals, as the water plants are removed for the season in October. Waterlilies are still in peak bloom during September. The small prairie near the middle pool turns to golden hues as winter approaches.
