A strange title for a different type of blog. One must expect that I will immerse myself in a wide range of natural & cultural experiences while traveling and this is one of those eposides you will love or hate. Please comment at the end of this blog and be sure to view the photo album of the same name.

Nynphaea Odorata is the botanical name for the American White Lily. How did I come to take an interest in these water borne plants. My friend Nancy volunteers at the Como Park & Zoo in St Paul Minnesota on a wekly basis, so I tagged along and was soon immersed in the surrounding gardens. The Zoo which is free admission, well they ask for a$3 donation did not open until 10am when we were leaving so the gardens were the alternative.

The American White lily is one of a large selection of water lilies on display along with many different plants and trees.I was fortunate in that my visit was during the flowering session (June to September).

The root of the plant may go down up to 2.3m of water to find soil as part of the prennial lifecycle. Always looking for sun shine a pond and hence slow moving water are the prefered location.

The lily has flowers from 7-15cm in width and they offer a fragrance from the main flower which may have 20-30 actual petals.

The flowers are only on display during daylight as the flower closes during darkness. The lily often forms in colonies that can completely cover a pond.

The other reason for telling you about this American white lily is that in Minnesota they have formed a sub species or a immermediate variety only found in this area.

I have included photo's of the many other colours and types along with some of the varieties of plants and trees in this very large free park that as well as the gardens & Zoo also is a venue for summer free concerts, a series of fitness and walking trails, community meeting rooms and hire of water craft to use on the lake that forms one boundary. Hire electric push bikes are also available or bringyour own, especially in summer it is a real winner for families in the Twin Cities of over 4m people.