Each year the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society Symposium brings people together around a shared love of water gardens. It’s a place to exchange ideas, learn from one another and spend time immersed in the plants, ponds and landscapes that connect us.
This summer, IWGS will bring its annual event to St. Louis, Missouri. Taking place August 18–21, the Symposium welcomes water gardeners from around the world for several days of learning, conversation and discovery.
St. Louis provides a fitting backdrop for the 2026 gathering, inviting attendees to explore the region’s horticultural offerings, including a dedicated day at the Missouri Botanical Garden, a destination recognized internationally for its plant collections, research and history.
In summer, the Garden’s reflecting pools become a focal point as annual and perennial water lilies come into full bloom. Giant Victoria water lilies, some with leaves spanning up to six feet, share the pools with dozens of Nymphaea cultivars grown and maintained using methods developed at the Garden over generations.
Speaking of giant Victoria water lilies, peak season also brings one of the water gardening world’s most widely shared moments: the Waterlily Weigh-Off. Led by Denver Botanic Gardens and joined by participating gardens including the Missouri Botanical Garden — which took top honors in the event’s first year — the weigh-off enters its third season this summer, placing attendees at the Garden during an exciting time for these remarkable plants.
The Symposium will also feature educational presentations led by respected voices in and around the aquatic plant world and time to connect with IWGS members, professional growers and hobbyists who share a passion for water gardening.
Those who have attended past events know the value of the event extends beyond scheduled sessions. Conversations over meals, shared observations in gardens and time spent with fellow attendees are frequently just as inspiring as formal programming.
Registration details and additional information will be announced in the coming months. For now, mark your calendar and plan to join IWGS in St. Louis in August 2026, where water gardeners gather to learn, share and grow together.
Learn more at iwgs.org.
