Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Water Lilies

Water lilies are my favorite. They spread across the water‘s surface, filling it with color and vibrancy, while keeping the pond and the creatures in it safe and healthy. Besides being pleasing to the eye, water lilies take care of the well-being of the ponds they inhabit. They provide shade to cool down the water temp. By blocking out a lot of sunlight, the lilies help to keep the algae growth down. Their shade also gives shelter to any fish that may be in the pond ­– protecting them from both the sun and any terrestrial predators that may be around. They also absorb nutrients in the water that would normally feed undesirable green plants, keeping the water clear and clean-looking instead of a muddy swamp. Just great. Not only beautiful but also super useful…

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Mexico
Camera: HERO7 Black
Copyright: © Tihomir Trichkov