The lily ponds here are full of water, as you see from this image of the WoodenBoat School pond taken yesterday.
Moreover, the pads for our native fragrant water lilies (Nymphaea odorata) are starting to rise to the surface:
Lily pads are the leaves of the water lily plant. They grow on flexible stalks arising from submerged roots (“rhizomes”). The pads will attract insects and become floating al fresco cafes for small frogs and birds. Underneath the lily pads, fish and aquatic invertebrates, such as dragonfly nymphs, will enjoy the shade.
Leighton Archive Image
Leighton Archive Image
The genus name for the water lily, Nymphaea (“nim-FYE-ah”), is derived from the Greek and Roman name for “water lily,” which, in turn, originated as a reference to mythological water nymphs. Our native species’ name, odorata (“o-dor-RAH-ta”), means “fragrant,” as you probably guessed. (First two images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on May 9, 2022.)