In addition to the sunflowers at McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area – my other favorite place to photograph flowers in the summer is Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. This park is one of the undiscovered gems of the National Park System. It always amazes me how many people in the greater Washington DC area have never heard of Kenilworth Gardens  – much less have ever visited.

There are always lots of photographic subjects at Kenilworth to choose from – at this time – the lotus blossoms are the stars of the park. There are literally sunken pond after sunken pond full of lotus blossoms in all stages of blooming. They will likely be blooming for at least another month.

When in bloom, the lotus blossoms are beautiful shades of pink with a yellow center. The large green leaves provide an amazing counterpoint to the beautiful pink blossoms.

Here are some of my favorite lotus photos from this year at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

© 2011 Patty Hankins

© 2011 Patty Hankins

© 2011 Patty Hankins

© 2011 Patty Hankins

© 2011 Patty Hankins

I hope you’ve enjoyed my lotus photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. If you decide to head into Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens to see the lotuses for yourself – I recommend going early in the day and using lots of bug spray and sunscreen. Also don’t forget to bring some bottled water with you.