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One of the most remarkable places we have been from a photographer’s point of view is Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. If you can go in July when the water lilies are in bloom, you will be transported and dazzled by their beauty. Looking into a rare water lily blooming is by my estimates what the Hubble telescope sees when it looks into deep space. Strange universes stare back leaving you with a sense of mystery and awe.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a National Park in the northeastern corner of Washington, D.C. It is near the banks of the Anacostia River. The Aquatic Gardens consist of many rare water lilies and lotuses in the cultivated ponds near the river. The park also includes Kenilworth Marsh in D.C. Within the park there are 650 species of insect, 150 species of land plants, 76 species of birds, 18 species of fish, 8 species of reptile, and a species of mammal. The water lilies were planted by one of the original curators, a one armed Civil War veteran, Walter B. Shaw in the 1880s. He had them brought from Maine to remind him of his home. There are seven acres of ponds and 70 acres of marsh. There is a ¼ mile boardwalk and 7/10 mile river trail. A visitor’s center has bathrooms and picnic tables.
The park is in a rough part of town so plan ahead and know your entry and exit routes. We had no trouble getting there, but we had the help of friends who lived near DC. There is no charge for use of the park. Special events include The Asian Lotus Festival. We also recommend the canoe or kayak rental on the Anacostia River nearby.
Links:
Kenilworth Aquatic and Gardens
Washington, DC 20019
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Photo Gallery
http://www.dcpages.com/gallery/kenilworth-aquatic-gardens/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenilworth_Park_and_Aquatic_Gardens
Hubble telescope:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html
July 10, 2023
