A Watery World (Lilypons Water Gardens)

Lilypons Water Gardens History

In 1917 G. Leicester Thomas, Sr., a Frederick county landowner and entrepreneur, turned his goldfish and waterlily hobby into a business, Three Springs Fisheries. The business successful and in 1925 Leicester expanded and purchased the current 250-acre tract of land that is Lilypons Water Gardens.

Five years later, the first Three Springs Fisheries catalog was mailed with great success. By 1935, the U.S. Postal Service decided that a post office must be established to handle the mail order parcels...and the post office needed a name.

Leicester's favorite operatic diva, Lily Pons, was then at the height of her career. So a place full of lily ponds was named after Lily Pons, the graceful opera star. Lily's publicity staff agreed, but the U.S. Postal Services wanted one word-thus Lilypons, Maryland became the new post office. On June 20, 1936, the post office was dedicated to Lily Pons. Miss Pons was present for the event, which was celebrated with much pomp and circumstance.

In 1978, Charles B. Thomas, as president, changed the name of the company to Lilypons Water Gardens, reflecting a focus on water gardening. In 1997, Charles' four daughters became the fourth generation of Thomas' to own Lilypons Water Gardens. Margaret Thomas Koogle, Charles' oldest daughter presides as president, continuing Lilypons' mission to be the source for water gardening.
~Source: http://www.lilypons.com/history


The lotus flower grows in muddy water, rising and blooming above the murk to achieve to beauty, symbolizing enlightenment.

Lotus Bud. The stage of growth the lotus flower is in represents a different stage of enlightenment. A closed lotus flower represents the time before enlightenment.

 Lotus flower, fully open. A lotus flower fully bloomed and open represents full enlightenment and self-awareness.

Photographs by Terry Rowe.

Your visit and comments are appreciated.

You can see my art work or photographs at www.terryrowe.photography, any photographs in my bog are available for purchase.