Life Aquatic

Chris Fedderson — MacroFine Musings
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This is the best month to see Life Aquatic in bloom.  If you haven’t been to our local Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens – now is the time to go.  This is one of the nicest parks we have in the DC metro area – and we have a lot of parks. Kenilworth National Park is our only National Park dedicated to aquatic plant and animal life.
 
The best time of day to go to Kenilworth is in the morning (open 9am to 5pm).  I know, I know, I hate mornings too, but this is really worth it!  And coming up is the Lotus and Water Lily Festival on July 16th.  You can see a spectacular display of lotus and water lilies in full bloom and there are lots of activities at the park.

Pink Pandemonium

The park is 700 acres and is on the south side of the Anacostia River across from the National Arboretum.  Unfortunately, you can’t go from park to park even though it’s just a stone's throw away – well more like a stone’s swim.

There is so much to see at Kenilworth Gardens… We’ve found frogs, turtles, fish, snakes, butterflies, dragonflies, praying mantis, beautiful spiders (yes, spiders!), bald eagles, egrets, herons, and more; and that’s all in addition to the beautiful lilies, lotus, hibiscus, clematis, and others!

Candle Power

If birds are your thing, you’ll be in good company.  There is a marshland and a boardwalk to explore.  There are lots of different bird species, so be sure to pack your binoculars, and a lo-o-o-o-o-ong lens for your camera!  And bring water… it’s hot this time of year.

Kenilworth bird-life is varied and plentiful!

Don’t like the bugs and heat or you just can’t make it to Kenilworth?  I have good news for you.  You can still see plenty of great flowers, lily pads, and dragonflies at the Associate Artists' Gallery at the Workhouse Art Center in Lorton, VA.  Wait … what?  Luckily, I have chosen July to feature Life Aquatic with my current offerings on display in Building 9.  Come, take a look at my photo of Giant Lily Pads (Victoria amazonica), up-close Lotus and Lily images, colorful lily pads, and dragonflies.


Thank You for visiting,
 
— Chris
 
P.s.     What is your favorite aquatic-themed subject?  Is it fishes?  flowers?  fowl?  Where do you go to see your favorites?  Let's share... maybe we'll discover a great place we hadn't known about.  How fun!