England may have its rose, Wales the daffodil and Scotland the thistle. But Hereford's got the water lily! Meet Malcolm Edwards, the 'curator' of the national hardy water lily collection, which is based in the county.

THINK of things associated with Herefordshire and it's unlikely the water lily will spring to mind.

Cattle and cider yes - but this beautiful, exotic plant?

Well it should do because the county is home to the national hardy water lily collection and has been for the last 12 years or so.

Malcolm Edwards has been nurturing the collection, which runs to 190 varieties, at Kenchester Water Gardens, in Lyde, near Hereford.

A former chairman of the UK branch of the International Water lily Society, Malcolm has species from all over the world - but only hardy varieties.

For those of you who thought the water lily was a typically tropical plant think again.

"They are very hardy plants," Malcolm says, citing two examples of aquatic lilies that can be found in the cooler climes of Norway.

The water gardens couldn't be a better home for the national collection to take root in. It's actually been a natural development for Malcolm, a 3 2 water gardens specialist for the last 25 years, who has been running the centre since the late 1980s.

Spread over six acres, the site boasts beautiful landscaped pools, lush marginal plants and a wealth of tropical and coldwater fish along with tea rooms and a restaurant.

Whether you're an expert or a beginner, the gardens will have something for you, not least a wonderful day out.

"People can just come and look at our display gardens and walk around," invites Malcolm. "They can give people an insight into what they can do at home."

But one thing leaves him scratching his head.

He's had the water lily 'creme de la creme' from all over the world at Kenchester, he's had visitors from all over the country call in - but the number of locals remains surprisingly low.

Why not go along and see? There may be a beautiful water lily with your name on it.

Kenchester Water Gardens is open from 9am-6pm all through summer. Opening times after the clocks change are 9am-5.30pm. The centre is open every day except Christmas Day.

Phone: 01432 270981. www.kenchesterwatergardens.co.uk

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