the international water lily garden @ civic league park

I visited the Water Lily Garden for the first time about four years ago and was amazed at what I saw. Water lilies from around the world IN BLOOM. This was in the spring, the best time of year to go. I learned that there are water lily plant species from around the world, some very rare, and this collection is world renowned. When a fungus in the Nile River in Egypt killed all the water lily plants in the Nile, the Egyptians came to San Angelo to the Water Liliy Garden to get some of the native species that grow in the Nile. Those plants were reintroduced into the Nile, and now flourish all up and down the river, thanks to the International Garden. The garden is also a photographer's paradise, early morning and late afternoon, when the lilies are in bloom. A wonderfully beautiful, quiet and tranquil place to spend some time.

After reading other reviews that said the water garden was worth seeing even out of season, we stopped to see it in February. Well it was really dead, I could imagine how it could be pretty in spring but not now. We did walk down to the Concho river which was very low and dry. We enjoyed seeing the stone bridges and walked some of the paths even though it was pretty cool weather. I would like to see it in spring if we are driving through west Texas from Dallas again.

Imagine the beauty (& the crowd) when in season. You need to really walk down as the few from above (not in season) is far from amazing. Look through appreciatively though & you will find several diamonds in the rough, the beauty of each flower.

If you are a fan of unusual natural finds, and you happen to be in the middle of nowhere West Texas, this is something you do not want to miss during the spring, summer or fall. There is nothing to see late fall to early spring due to the gardens being outside and the weather is not suitable. But once the plants begin to bloom, there is nothing like it! There are plants here that are not found anywhere else, and the collection itself is like no other. The setting is nice, efforts have been made to allow you to get clear views of the plants and flowers and they are well labeled for those that want to really learn about the plants. Well worth the effort!

We stopped by just before Thanksgiving, and, while it was not the best season, it was still quite nice. A lot of the lilies had budded, but not bloomed yet. There were a few blooms, and they were surprisingly vibrant in their color. The layout was very pleasant and peaceful, and I'll bet when it does bloom it's quite beautiful.

I love the Water Lily Garden. I have never seen anything like it and truly enjoyed it. I went this summer when it was blossoming with numerous blooms. I got wonderful shots and it was so peaceful since it was first thing in the morning. I came again in November there weren't too many blogs maybe 6 in total, but you could see them under water or about to blossom. Beautiful sight that locals and visitors should see, especially in the spring or summer.

Although I'm not a gardener, I do appreciate the work and beauty of a well maintained garden. This exhibit is being expanded and I'm sure it will take it to a whole other level.The displays are well organized with name labels for all of the varieties. Everything is meticulously maintained and it's a great place to show off when you have visitors.My wife loves photography and has some awesome pictures from here.A must see!

The Water Lily collection is world renowned. This is truly a treasure hidden inside this little city. Anytime you arrive, there seem to be blooms, some are night bloomers, some early morning, others mid-day....what a beautiful, relaxing stroll.

This has always been a place to go for the beautiful water lilies but also the peace and tranquility of the entire gardens. Don't forget to go up the stairs and see the beautiful roses.

We took a very last minute trip to San Angelo and we used Trip Advisor as our "tour guide". I read the reviews about the Lily Garden, but not really being into the garden scene we almost skipped it. But we were nearby and thought what the heck let's go. Oh my gosh, once we arrived I think both our jaws hit the ground at the same time. This place is incredible!!! Of course, you have to go at the right time of year, but we got lucky and happened to be there at the right time of year!! We really were in awe of it; I've never seen anything like it in my life. I took a few hundred photos and several videos and have enjoyed looking at them over and over again since our visit. I can't say enough good things about this place. We will definitely be back next year. After we got home I read that June-October is a good time to visit, with September being the peak month. (We visited the beginning of October.)

I had lived here for about 6 months before I had my timing right to see all of them open. Between 10 and 11 seemed to be the time I caught most of them open. Beautiful display well marked so you know what they all are, serene place to just go and reflect. Rose Garden next door is also amazing. Only problem if you go at lunch time Central student are everywhere because it is their lunch. Great place also if you are a photographer. Many great opportunities. Oh and if you have lily questions, Tommy at olives nursery is wonderful.

I had no idea there were so many different kinds of water lilies. All of these were collected and donated to the City. It's a beautiful display and you can walk at your own pace to appreciate the colors and sizes of the leaves and flowers. Amazing.

We sort of stumbled on this park and were very pleasantly surprised at the breadth and beauty of the plants there. It is internationally famous and is definitely worth finding.

Beautiful if you time it right and get there in time to watch them open up. Serene and peaceful place to meditate or talk to the Lord. There is also a rose garden to walk through. At lunch time though a lot of the kids from Central High go there to have lunch. Great place to take pictures of nature, senior pictures or wedding photos. A must see. You can also visit Olives Nursery as they sell these beautiful lilies. Tommie and Debbie are very knowledgeable. Check out their store and say hello to lil Olive.

It's hard to imagine that such a treasure could be found in our relatively small town. This is the lifetime work and love of one man who believed it could be possible. Lilies have been cultivated from all over the world and in some cases they are one of a kind. Most of the cement ponds are high and the viewing is easy. There are rails all around so it is kid safe. I take my Mom who is in her 90's there in her wheelchair. It's a little bumpy, but it's manageable and she so enjoys the view. The water is regularly circulated so there is no stagnate smell and the trees are far enough away to provide some shade with causing damage to the ponds. It's a true treasure for San Angelo, Texas