Attend the 2018 International Water Garden Symposium and Visit the International Waterlily Collection

All are invited to the friendly state of Texas for this year’s International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS) Symposium from Sept. 13—16, 2018.

If you find yourself wondering why this year’s symposium is being held in a somewhat remote town in West Texas, you’re not alone. It’s an area better known for cowboys, ranching and wool production. However, there is a jewel hidden in this town — the International Waterlily Collection.

Yes, that’s right! Texas is the place to go if you want to see lily species collected from all over the world, including many of the current hybrids, such as intersubgeneric hybrids (ISGs). There are literally hundreds of lilies all in one place, easily accessible and photographable.

The last time the society visited San Angelo was in 2010, and it was a great success. We look forward to making more fond memories this year.

Your Daily Outlook

After arriving and registering, we will travel to the Visitors Center, which sits on a bluff above the Concho River. We will attempt to replicate the fabulous opening reception we had in 2010, complete with the same amazing Tex-Mex appetizers, live music and breathtaking backdrop of soothing waterfalls.

The second day will be devoted to education, with lectures and discussion panels moderated by well-known water-garden professionals. After a morning of learning, we will travel to the International Waterlily Collection. If you attended the 2010 symposium, you will be happy to hear that we are repeating the Night at the Ponds event. As you watch the day bloomers close and the night bloomers open, you will be served a meal prepared by an authentic chuck wagon. As darkness settles in, you will be treated to an exclusive fireworks display created by famed waterlily collector Ken Landon.

Day Three will kick off at the collection, with plenty of time for photography before it gets too hot. We will then head to downtown San Angelo for lunch at Miss Hattie’s, which is located in a former bordello. After lunch, you can stroll around town, shop and visit a boot factory, where you can have your feet measured for a new pair of custom boots, which they export all over the world. We will have more presentations and panel discussions in the afternoon before the Hall of Fame banquet in the evening.

Traditionally, the Hall of Fame banquet is the conclusion of the symposium — but not this year. On an extended fourth day, you will have the option of returning to the International Waterlily Collection and getting into the ponds. Yes, that’s right — this is a rare opportunity to get close to these lilies. Please note that no one will be allowed into the ponds without shoes on, so bring a pair of old shoes and a plastic bag to put them in afterward.

For more information about the 2018 IWGS Symposium in San Angelo, Texas, visit www.iwgs.org.