Sirens singin out

摘要

Flamboyantly exotic, the gorgeous blooms of tropical waterlilies can be enjoyedin these climes with a little coaxing. PHIL CLAYTON falls under their spell. YOU MAY THINK you know waterlilies. The pristine, almost virginal chalice-shaped white flowers of our native Nymphaea alba float quietly on the surface of calm waters amid rounded green pads, gracing many pools and slow-flowing rivers in summer. There are several hardy species and cultivars with flowers of soft yellow, pale pink and muted red, and all have a distinctly feminine beauty, bringing an impression of purity and serenity to the water garden.