The return of summer giants

You know summer is here when the Blue Lotus Water Garden’s Giant Lily emerges from its winter sleep…
Based in Yarra Junction, the Blue Lotus Water Garden is a tropical style water garden spread over 50,000 square metres (14 acres) and features tens of thousands of stunning flowers.
As Blue Lotus Water Garden owner and creator Geoff Cochrane explained, along with a number of natural wonders, this year the garden has brand new and exciting exhibits, including a new Giant Lily and a magnificent replica of Monet’s Garden.
“This year the garden has bred a new Giant Lily bigger than the ones before,” Geoff said,
“It’s possible the lily pads may reach over two metres in width; big enough to float on. If the monster reaches this size, it may be the biggest waterlily ever grown.
“In 2018 the garden are also opening a new exhibit which features a collection of waterlilies grown by the famous painter Claude Monet in France. Monet loved waterlilies so much that he painted over 200 artworks featuring the flowers.
“So if you want to see Monet’s waterlilies growing you will find them at the Blue Lotus Water Garden.”
Not only is Blue Lotus Water Garden’s famous for their Giant Lilies, but also for the massive floral display of stunning lotus and waterlilies flowers. With two lakes and dozens of ponds, the flowers turn the extensive network of water into a sea of colour.
“The gardens are very family friendly with dozens of picnic huts and great barbecue facilities,” Geoff said.
“Activities for the youngsters include feeding the Giant Goldfish that are so big they may set a Guinness Book Record. The kids will also love the fairy garden and if you visit on a weekend, the Lotus Fairy Queen tells stories to the children about the magical world of fairies.”
The 14-acre tropical styled gardens also feature many wonderful vistas and exhibits including rare plant displays, fountains, water features, Japanese arch bridges and easy walking tracks. There’s also a lovely alfresco caf¨¦ with views over the lily pond, an ice cream kiosk and a huge plant nursery with gift shops.
The Blue Lotus Water Garden is located at 2628 Warburton Highway in Yarra Junction, and is open from 27 December until 15 April. To find out more visit www.bluelotus.com.au