This lotus thrives in its natural environment (shallow rivers, lakes and bayous) but withers shortly after being cut from its mother plant.
It has been my desire since last summer when I first went to the waterfields, to make a flower arrangement of the flower in all of its stages, bud, full bloom, seed pod, unfurled pad and full blown pad.
Thanks to my photo buddy, Scott Schexnaydre and his boat, I was able to get the flowers and put them in a plastic bag to transport home. However, most of the full blown flowers fell apart before I could make the arrangement. Nevertheless, I am pleased with what I was able to put together.
I believe the secret to getting a nice arrangement of the flowers to photograph is to bring the vase on the boat and make the arrangement out in the waterfields.