ABOUT US
THE INTERNATIONAL WATERLILY AND WATER GARDENING SOCIETY (IWGS)
OUR AIMS
The mission of the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society has remained constant even if the wording has had some minor changes. As it currently stands this is who we are and what we do:
"a nonprofit organization of multi-national membership dedicated to the furtherance of all aspects of water gardens and their associated plants. As an organization we support and promote education, research, and conservation in these areas."
WHAT WE DO TODAY
To further our aim of educating about water gardening, our website has a selection of information available to all visitors, and we also have a Facebook page where members, and others interested, can share information, pictures and news on related topics. This group allows members to ask (and answer) questions on water gardening topics.The website carries a list of certified collections of waterlilies and lotus in gardens around the world that are open to visitors, and where rarer varieties are often conserved. Our 'new waterlily competition' highlights some of the exciting new hybrids being produced each year.
We have an annual symposium where water gardeners from around the globe meet to hear speakers on favourite and cutting-edge topics, and usually get to visit a range of gardens, often with outstanding displays of waterlilies, lotus and other aquatics. A highlight is meeting other water gardeners, learning together, and sharing information on water gardening techniques, all in a friendly atmosphere. The symposia are open to all, with discounts available for members.
Those joining as members have access to our quarterly journal online, a wider range of information on the website; and [coming soon] access to our database of plants. The journals cover the latest news in watergardening, plus articles on plants, recent research, book reviews, reports from visits to gardens across the world, historical articles, and upcoming events. There is also a searchable archive of over 30 years of past journals with a wealth of information on a wide range of topics. (*Current journals are also available in printed format for an extra fee). The membership roster can help you find other water gardeners in your area, to arrange local events. A reference library can supply extracts from an extensive range of historical sources. There are additional benefits available to those signing up as trade members, gardening clubs, public and botanic gardens.
As official Registrars for waterlilies (Nymphaea) and lotus (Nelumbo), the Society maintains details of historical and newly hybridized varieties, helping to ensure that plants are correctly named and avoiding duplication of names.