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The lily pond in August

14 August 2026 · Garden · 3 min read

Hardy water lilies open at ten and close by four. Why the pond is at its best before lunch.

Water lily pads on a still pond

The outdoor lily pond was dug in 1931 and planted with twelve hardy water lilies, five of which are still there. In August they are at their peak, but only for part of the day.

Hardy lilies open mid-morning and close in the afternoon. Come between ten and one and the pond is full of flowers; come at four and you will mostly see pads.

Giant Victoria lily pads in the Palm House pond
The tropical cousin: Victoria lilies in the Palm House, open at night.

Morning visitors get the flowers. Afternoon visitors get the dragonflies.

Built by Visuvate