Many people have asked “How did this lotus adventure start? Bergen Water Gardens has changed dramatically over the past 18 years. Our website has evolved into a leading source for Chinese lotus in the United States and beyond. Larry Nau has been most fortunate to travel to China on 9 separate occasions, over the past 8 years. In a series of posts, I will to share the story of the creation of Lotus Paradise and the beauty and magic that is China! ( Lili Liu will come later in the story) The story begins my the first trip to China to lay the groundwork for the 2011 International Waterlily and Water Gardening Symposium in Qingdao China. As Executive Director for the IWGS, I worked to organize the meeting with the primary team of Professor Huang Gouzhen and Mr. Li from Chinese Waterlily World. Chinese Waterlily World has one of the largest collection of waterlilies and lotus in China. They propagate new varieties but also make a large number of products from waterlilies and lotus flowers, leaves and seeds. Professor Huang and Mr. Li were anxious to welcome the world to China. Chinese Waterlily World 2010
Team Chinese Waterlily World to organize the Symposium effort
Lotus Beds at Chinese Waterlily World
Lotus in Pots at Chinese Waterlily World
Professor Huang Guozhen in R & D Department
New lotus Hybrid by Prof Huang under evaluation
Entrance to Chinese Waterlily World this will change!
Prof Huang overlooks the waterlily area to be renovated
Waterlilies at Chinese Waterlily World
Waterlily ponds at Chinese Waterlily World
Flowers of Chinese Waterlily World – unfortunately there were only Chinese names in 2010!
Chinese Lotus
Hardy Waterlily
Hardy Waterlily
Tropical Waterlily
lotus
Big Versicolor Lotus
N. ‘Guang Chang Lian’
Chinese Lotus
Chinese Lotus
Our team included the local Qingdao government and the Committee of the 2014 Horticultural Expo. I still remember preparing a power point presentation off my laptop in 30 minutes for the Expo Committee…think fast!
Mr. Li explains his vision for the Symposium
Professor Huang and Larry Nau with Prof Huang’s lotus hybrid ‘Friendship Peony’
Mr. Li shows the planned layout for the future Expo
Larry Nau meets with Assistant Mayor Wang Jianxiang of Qingdao
Larry Nau meeting with Mayor Wang, note the room arrangement- Team Waterlily World and the Mayor’s staff
Larry Nau, Mayor Wang, Mr. Li
Larry Nau receiving his Letter of Appointment to the Committee
Meeting with the 2014 Horticultural Expo Committee
Lunch after the meeting
The Food Was Superb!
Waterlily stamens and Nectar
Look for Part 2 of 2010, as Prof Huang escorts me to Wuhan and Guangzhou
Larry’s Lotus Selections is in response to the question, “Which lotus should I choose?” At Bergen Water Gardens, we grow over 400 Chinese lotus varieties. …
