June 22nd and June 23rd
June is the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoors. Gardens are lush and green after the Spring. The beauty of nature takes root, literally, and we are treated to landscapes rich with color, scent, and sound. Take a stroll through local gardens with spectacular water features on the 24th Annual St. Louis Water Garden Society Pond-O-Rama tour.
Society members have taken advantage of great weather days to prepare for this year’s tour. The result is water gardens that look better than ever! Every host location is different – there are new ponds sized perfectly for their space. There are water features with towering waterfalls and others with gentle streams. This year’s host locations include natural swimming holes, garden rooms, natural privacy fences, bubblers, gazebos, and integrated seating areas.
Within the water and the surrounding landscapes are glorious gardens that are home to diverse species of birds, butterflies, koi fish, and a vibrant ecosystem of life. The blooming gardens and landscaping around the water features are a sensory delight. Look for whimsical touches tucked into garden nooks that will make you smile. You’ll be inspired by how practical elements like sheds, seating and even art are integrated into the outdoor spaces. One host has constructed a miniature railroad with trains meandering around a pond and over a stream. The photo opportunities are endless!
There is always something new to see in the gardens – this year is no exception. There are 4 new gardens on the tour, previous hosts with new features, and hosts who took years off coming back with style. Our Member hosts are excited to showcase their creations, answer questions, discuss fish and flowers, and share information about their passion for water gardening. Take your time strolling through the gardens. Enjoy the calming, peaceful sound of gently-moving water. We suspect you’ll leave the tour with a refreshed outlook and deeper appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.
Pond-O-Rama is the St. Louis Water Garden Society’s primary fundraiser to support the care and keeping of the lily ponds at the Jewel Box in Forest Park. Our members also delight in sharing the spectacular results of their hard work and investment in their own water gardens. The tour makes both possible, and also supports other Society programming throughout the year.
The St. Louis Water Garden Society’s pond tour will be on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 from 9:00am—5:00 pm each day. The 24th-annual tour, held in 2024, will feature 24 locations divided between the two days – 12 on Saturday/ 12 on Sunday. New this year, the Pond-O-Rama ticket books will feature beautiful, full-color profiles for each stop on the tour including descriptions of the water feature, directions, and QR codes. Tour tickets may be purchased at local retailers and nurseries or at https://www.slwgs.org starting in May. Tickets are $20 per person (18+) or $15 per ticket for groups of 5 or more. Details about where to buy tickets can also be found on the St. Louis Water Garden Society website.
So, come relax and enjoy a stroll through the most-stunning water gardens in our area. We look forward to seeing you in June!