Spring has sprung at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, now open to the public through May 13. This year’s show debuts the enchanting musical sounds of the harp and violin, a rotating windmill and a floral exhibition showcasing tulips, azaleas, hibiscus and lilies. A carousel, waterfall and ceiling-hung hand-painted parasols invite the spirit of spring with open arms.

For the first time during the Conservatory’s spring display, guests can enjoy live musical performances 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily, from the Victorian Gazebo in the South Garden. The sounds of the harp and violin transport guests to a serene village through compositions and arrangements inspired by European musical masters like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Chopin.

Steps away and making its debut at Bellagio, a 26-foot-tall windmill, weighing approximately 9,000 pounds, lures visitors into a captivating garden surrounded by magnolia, weeping willow, bottle and plum trees. A stunning mother swan and her cygnets, made of 5,000 feathers and simulated fur, frolic in the cool water beneath a 24-foot-long stone bridge.

Near the entrance to the Conservatory, a colorful 11-foot-tall carousel, weighing 5,600 pounds, is accented with shades of emerald, plum, ginger and ruby and surrounded by large daffodils. Bumble bees made of preserved sunflowers and mums buzz about the daffodils while four custom-painted sets of over-sized traditional Dutch clogs complete the springtime ambiance.

In conjunction with the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s new exhibit “Claude Monet: Impressions of Light,” the Conservatory has created a floral interpretation of Claude Monet’s Fisherman’s Cottage on the Cliffs at Varengeville (1879). Located in the Giardini corner, the recreated painting is fitted within a 6-foot tall elaborately carved frame.

Also new to the spring display is the high-definition streaming Earthcam, allowing guests to experience the Conservatory from anywhere in the world. Perched above the Botanical Gardens, the Earthcam provides a live look at each seasonal transformation and transports guests to the beauty of Bellagio, around the clock, all year long.

The spring exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open daily, 24 hours a day.

Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Join The Venetian and The Palazzo as they celebrate Chinese New Year with lavish feng shui-inspired décor and awe-inspiring events. Witness a 128-foot hand-crafted dragon breathe fire from above the 65-foot-high waterfall atrium inside The Palazzo.  Regarded as the mightiest of signs, the dragon symbolizes ambition, passion and success. Those who possess the sign of the Dragon are said to take risks, are unafraid of challenges and embody colorful personalities.

You can catch the ceremonial dragon dance and eye painting on January 23 at 1 pm, beginning at the main entrance of The Venetian. From there, the ceremony will dance its way into The Palazzo.

The M Resort invites you to celebrate the Chinese New Year on January 23 at 6 p.m. To kick-off the two week celebration a traditional Dragon Dance will be held on Monday, January 23 at 6pm to bring good luck and fortune to guests. A 63 foot-long dragon will feature adult and baby lion dancers, buddhas, musicians and festive flags and will make its way through our entire casino.  Enjoy the festive décor, Asian favorites at the Studio B Buffet and special poker room promotions.  Click here for more information.

MGM Resorts International celebrates Chinese New Year 2012, the Year of the Dragon, with exhilarating lion dances and a spectacular display at Crystals at CityCenter.

The Dragon is unique to the Asian Zodiac as it is not recognized as a real animal.  It does, however, represent a symbol of power and remains prominent in Chinese astrology.  The Dragon is viewed as a powerful almighty king made up of multiple parts of animals such as the tiger, fish, snake and eagle.  Individuals born in the Year of the Dragon tend to be powerful and often own a sharp tongue.

Lion Dances

The following schedule outlines each lion dance to be held in the respective resort’s main valet and porte cochere:

• ARIA – Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m.
• Crystals – Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m.
• The Mirage – Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m.
• MGM Grand – Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m.
• Bellagio – Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Yau Kung Moon will perform traditional Chinese lion dances at ARIA, Bellagio, MGM Grand and The Mirage.  Yau Kung Moon, which translates to “Style of Flexible Power,” is considered one of the most-respected martial arts, dragon and lion dance organizations in the world.  It is a traditional Southern Shaolin Kung Fu system with more than 1,000 years of history.

In the 1960s, Yau Kung Moon was introduced to the United States by Grandmaster Ha Kwok Cheung’s disciples, Grandmaster Chan Jun Chuen, Grandmaster Wong Cheung and Grandmaster Wan Tak Kee.  They later passed the system onto their disciples, Master Bill Lee, Master Lok Sang Lee, Master Michael Lau and Master David Louie.

Within the lion dancing culture, Yau Kung Moon is considered one of the pioneers of Northern and Southern lion dancing (Nam Si Buk Mo) and has set an exceptionally high standard evidenced by its numerous competitions and performances.  Yau Kung Moon is known for its trademark gold uniforms and innovative routines and has been recognized internationally for being the first U.S. team to compete in the 1990 Invitational World Lion Dance Festival in Malaysia.  The group also has finished as the nine-time undefeated Chinese National Lion Dance Champions.

Crystals at CityCenter

The Flower Carpet on the first floor of Crystals at CityCenter has been decorated with a 43-foot long and 12-foot high authentic ceremonial dragon chasing a pearl symbolizing the constant pursuit of wisdom.  The dragon is surrounded by more than 4,000 flowers and plants including China mums, guzmania finest red, vriesea splendens, oncidium orchids, citrus trees and bamboo.

On Tuesday, Jan. 24, Crystals will join ARIA in its celebration with a traditional dragon dance with Kung Fu artists and Chinese performers.  Select Crystals retailers will take part in the traditions involved in the ceremonial dance by feeding the dragon cabbage as a sign of satisfying its needs along with giving the dragon a red envelope with money.  Both customs represent good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year.  The dance is scheduled to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m.

The Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the LV Hilton) will host it’s Chinese New Year Dragon Dance on Friday, January 27th at 2pm.

Caesars Entertainment celebrates the Year of the Dragon with citywide Lion Dances at its properties. On Friday, January 27th at 5pm at Harrah’s, 6:15pm at Imperial Palace, 7 p.m. at Flamingo Las Vegas, 10pm at the Rio, and on Saturday, January 28th at 12pm at Planet Hollywood, 1pm at Paris, 2pm at Bally’s, and 5pm at Caesars Palace.

Fremont Street Experience is hosting the first Chinese New Year Festival, 2012 Dragon in the Desert from January 24-28 6-11pm.  There will be  nightly community and cultural presentations, a custom Viva Vision production, authentic food offerings, and stage entertainment.

For a great recap of activities city-wide, check out the R-J’s coverage – by clicking here.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Dragon during Chinese New Year with a vibrant display honoring the mythical creature that symbolizes good fortune and power. A serene sanctuary guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy – is on view through March 4.

For the first time during Bellagio’s Chinese New Year display, the Conservatory will feature live entertainment.  The Las Vegas-based “Beijing Trio” will perform traditional folk and pop music with authentic Chinese instruments including the erhu, ruan and pipa. Complimentary performances take place 5 p.m. – 6 p.m., daily, within the wing-tipped Ming Dynasty-style gazebo in the South Garden, for the duration of the exhibit.

The majestic centerpiece of this exhibit consists of two animated 25-foot blue Dragons coiled around a cylinder of water. Rising from an island of tropical botanicals, the cylinders are accompanied by two 3,000-pound stone waterfalls surging nearby. A spectacular photo opportunity presents itself as the Dragons blow steam from their nostrils in an attempt to playfully swat at a legendary, oversized iridescent red pearl hanging directly above. The pearl, in Chinese lore, represents wealth, good luck and prosperity.

Nearby, two additional animated dragons, green and gold in color, actively lunge in the direction of the centerpiece. These 15-foot long dragons represent the elements wood and metal and are surrounded by a zig-zag bridge that leads to the striking gazebo. The bridge’s design follows the principles of Feng Shui, providing a difficult route for negative energy and bad spirits.

Just steps away in the North Garden, two animated dragons, brown and red, mirror their counterparts. These dragons represent the elements earth and fire and are surrounded by oversized silk red Chinese lanterns, a Chinese-style bridge and gold-leafed I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese symbol for money.

The entrance of the Conservatory features a 21,000-gallon pond housing more than 200 Koi fish. The pond is found amidst I-Ching coins and flanked by four Ming Dynasty-style dings, ancestral vessels that protect against bad fortunes.

Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came. The fifth animal in the Asian zodiac, the legendary Dragon, serves as a symbol of ambition and is a master of authority. Those born in the Year of the Dragon, the most desirable year, tend to be passionate, strong leaders and artistically gifted.

On view through March 4, the Chinese New Year exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Transforming into a magical winter wonderland, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens unveils its spectacular holiday display, rich in tradition and filled with picture-perfect botanical creations, on Dec 2. In the center of it all, a magnificent holiday tree will stand tall sending gazes soaring while musical sounds and seasonal colors evoke the holiday spirit.

The majestic centerpiece of the winter exhibit, a stately 42-foot Shasta White Fir, will be decorated with more than 1,700 gold and silver holiday ornaments and ablaze in more than 13,500 twinkling white lights. Beneath the holiday tree, floating ornaments will bobble along a lazy river, which will be enclosed by thousands of bright-red poinsettias. Overhead, 24 over-sized gold and silver bells will hang gracefully from the Conservatory’s all-glass ceiling.

“The winter display at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is our most popular display of the year, exhibiting the spirit and traditions of the holiday season,” said Randy Morton, President and COO of Bellagio. “Each day more than 22,000 visitors visit the Conservatory to enjoy this spectacular setting and commemorate a special time of year.”

New to the display this year, a group of five animated penguins will ice skate on a patch of arctic terrain among a life-like family of 34 adult and baby penguins. An animated penguin will examine the construction blueprints for an igloo “in progress” while another will be hard at work as it moves blocks of faux ice between its flippers.

In the north garden, a scene of family bonding will play out with a trio of topiary polar bears adorned with “fur” coats made of more than 35,000 hand-applied white carnations. A whimsical five-car toy train, equipped with a live webcam, will whirl on its tracks in the midst of three illuminated white trees.

Upon entering the Conservatory, a brick-lined path will be surrounded by pink and red poinsettias, inviting guests to stroll underneath eight streams of dancing water and two pergolas adorned with sparkling white lights. In the Giardini corner, a floral greeting card made of more than 3,000 carnations, will bestow well wishes for the holiday season.

Inquisitive guests strolling through the Conservatory are invited to visit with Bellagio horticulturists designated as “Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb” from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. daily to receive holiday decorating tips along with additional information about the exhibit.

On view through Jan. 2, 2012, the winter exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Attracting more than 22,000 visitors daily, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens unveils an impressive autumn display featuring a picturesque harvest tableau to celebrate the sights and colors of the crisp season. Scents of chrysanthemums, carnations and roses enchant guests while oversized oak, birch, maple and chestnut leaves cascade in translucent splendor overhead, heralding the season’s debut.

At the entrance of the Conservatory, and new to the exhibit, a grass filled meadow is home to a family of three majestic hand-planted horse sculptures, comprised of more than 31,000 plants. Corralled in an old-fashioned post-and-rail fence, the impressive stallion and mare watch over their colt, resting lazily nearby.

Another first for the Conservatory, a 20-foot-tall cornucopia constructed of tightly woven willow branches, lies in the north garden. A symbol of the fall harvest, the colossal cornucopia overflows with pumpkins, gourds and exotic fruit. Nearby, a 15-foot-tall scarecrow stands guard over an enormous flowering pumpkin, made from 2,000 orange carnations and seven large half-shucked corn shapes, each made of 60 pieces of native Indian corn.

In the south garden, a 20-foot-tall fairytale talking apple tree welcomes guests with its gentle azure eyes and a whimsical smile. Near the base of the tree more than 3,400 fresh red roses take shape to form two delicious three-foot-tall apples. An authentic Newton high-wheel wagon, circa 1870, is adorned with horse harnesses awaiting their owners’ return.

Rounding out this seasonal transformation is a towering 35-foot-tall cider mill powered by a gentle stream and surrounded by a bed of massive pumpkins, ranging in size from 300 to 1,000 pounds.

Inquisitive guests strolling through the Conservatory are invited to visit with Bellagio horticulturists designated as “Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb” from 10:30 a.m. to noon daily to receive fall gardening tips along with additional information about the exhibit.

On view through November 27, the autumn display within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. ( Photo Credit: MGM Resorts International)

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

To celebrate the debut of spring, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens feature a spectacular floral exhibition filled with bright blooms and a playful carnival, on display through May 8.

Four enchanting gardens lure guests with scents of tulips, hydrangeas and daisies, while a colorful Ferris wheel, moving carousel and greenhouse full of beautiful butterflies catch the eye and lift the spirit.

At the entrance of the Conservatory, guests are invited to stroll through a romantic walkway lined with eight lamp posts and Linden trees with dazzling lights strung above.  Nearby, a moving 11-foot tall carousel makes its Conservatory debut.  Weighing more than 8,600 pounds, the carnival favorite is adorned with 330 clear bulbs and colorful acrylic balloons as a cedar ticket booth completes the whimsical scene.

Steps away, a 40-foot full-scale Ferris wheel decorated with animated lighting, captures the nostalgia and spirit of a spring carnival.

The majestic centerpiece of this exhibit is a stone-based rustic greenhouse that houses more than 500 live butterflies from around the world.  Nearby, a “fantasy” tree decorated with cherry blossoms soars 25 feet overhead as its spiraled branches reach for the spring sky revealed by the venue’s all-glass ceiling.  Illustrating the sculptural beauty of nature, the tree is first formed into a metal skeleton and then covered with more than 420,000 feet of tightly woven willow branches.  Two elegant egrets guard their nest on the banks of a small pond while oversized butterflies, comprised of flax & onion seeds, strawflowers and sweet rice, hang vibrantly overhead.

In conjunction with the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s new exhibit “A Sense of Place: Landscapes from Monet to Hockney,” debuting on April 16, the Conservatory has created an interpretation of David Hockney’s Garrowby Hill (1998) using a colorful array of flora.  Located in the Giardini corner, the recreated painting is fitted within a 6-foot tall elaborately carved frame accompanied by a 12-foot wood tapered painter’s brush and oversized paint palette with simulated smeared oil paints.

The spring exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens invites guests to celebrate Chinese New Year – Year of the Rabbit, with a unique display replete with symbolic meaning and tradition. A serene sanctuary guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy – is on display now through March 5.

The majestic centerpiece of this exhibit is a 35-foot Chinese Junk Boat with a 38-foot mast inspired by traditional 15th century fishing vessels. Making its debut at the Conservatory, the boat was created using teak, mahogany and cedar by Daniels Wood Land, Inc. – which is best known for building full-scale replicas of The Black Pearl for Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie franchise. The ancient vessel is surrounded by a zig-zag bridge – a design that follows the principles of Feng Shui, providing a difficult route for negative energy and bad spirits – as it leads to a striking, wing-tipped Ming Dynasty-styled gazebo.

Nearby, a 12-foot rabbit with a luxurious coat comprised of more than 4,500 live sedge plants, watches over eight babies at play within a forest of bamboo trees and Taihu rocks. Stones are viewed as essential features of any traditional Chinese garden and symbolize the larger world around us. After spending decades forming underwater, Taihu stones were chosen because they are believed to encourage circulation of ch’i, or natural energy.

Just steps away from Bellagio’s furry fortune ambassadors, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Prosperity is found amidst gold leafed I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese money symbol. Widely recognized as the strongest symbol of good fortune and great luck in the New Year, the God of Prosperity is flanked by two Ming Dynasty-styled dings, ancestral vessels that protect against bad fortunes.

Celebrating one of the greatest archaeological finds in history and appearing for the first time in the Conservatory are seven replica Terracotta Warriors, covered in crushed walnuts and ground carrot seeds, accompanied by a horse-drawn carriage. A form of funerary art, the original Terracotta Army was buried with the First Emperor Qin in 210-209 BC in the Shaanxi Province and later discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well.

The teachings of Feng Shui also are used to position the flow of water into Bellagio’s Conservatory, and not away, ensuring the flow of positive energy. Oversized red silk Chinese lanterns throughout the Conservatory add to the auspicious nature of this spectacular exhibit.

Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came. The fourth animal in the Asian zodiac, the rabbit serves as a symbol of fortune and longevity. Those born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to be lucky, articulate and ambitious.

On view through March 5, the Chinese New Year exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes winter with a spectacular holiday display rich in nostalgia and filled with picture-perfect botanical creations through January 2, 2011.  A spectacular holiday tree sends gazes soaring while musical sounds and colors of the season lure visitors for a stroll by four shimmering gardens.

The dazzling centerpiece of this winter exhibit is a stately 42-foot Shasta Fir ablaze in over 7,000 twinkling lights and decorated with more than 1,800 red, gold and silver holiday ornaments.  Standing at attention on the corners of the majestic holiday tree’s garden are four grand toy soldiers, each a commanding 15 feet tall.  Nearby, a 7-foot-tall, custom-sculpted rocking horse stands in the midst of a whimsical five-car toy train, which whirls around the base of the tree.

Eight reindeer are captured in mid-flight surrounding the holiday tree, as they guide a present-filled, red-lacquer sleigh into a snowy sky.  Each majestic reindeer is made of 110 pounds of whole pecans and wear brilliant collars of braided cranberry-red velvet harnesses with silver bells.

In the north garden, a family of 28 adult and baby penguins come to life, waddling on a patch of arctic terrain.  An animated penguin examines the construction blueprints to an igloo in-process, while another is hard at work as it moves blocks of faux ice between its flippers.  Inside a completed igloo nearby, a curious penguin pops out its snow-covered head as three over-sized ice bursts shimmer high above the surrounding frost-laden 20-foot-tall pine trees.

In the south garden, three light-draped Manzanita trees stand quietly over a “reflective pond” as three massive icicle stars hover angelically overhead.  A polar bear family, adorned with coats made of 16,000 white carnations, tug on the heartstrings of visitors young and old as the baby bear frolics playfully on his back as mama bear watches with affection.  In the east garden, five large twinkling gold holiday ornaments, ranging in size from 4-feet to 8-feet tall, welcome guests amid dancing water and a bed of colorful seasonal flora.

On view through January 2, 2011, the winter exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Through November 27, 2010, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes autumn with this season’s botanical display.  Wander through the picturesque harvest tableau celebrating the sights and colors of the season while scents of chrysanthemums and Asiatic lilies will lure guests into four enchanting gardens .  The autumn exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and best of all, it’s free!

A first for the Conservatory, three majestic “fantasy” trees, weighing 3,300 pounds each, soar 25 feet overhead as their spiraled branches reach for the autumn sky revealed by the venue’s all-glass ceiling.  Illustrating the sculptural beauty of nature, the trees are first formed into a metal skeleton and then covered with tightly woven willow branches.  This will also mark the first time the “fantasy” trees, created by English artist Tom Hare, will be on display in the United States.

Oversized oak, birch, maple and chestnut leaves cascade in translucent splendor over the Conservatory heralding the season’s debut.  A stone-based rustic greenhouse, nestled among weeping California Pepper and olive trees, housing 20- to 30-year-old specimen orchids from around the world.  Specimen orchids are grown uninterrupted for several years, allowing the plants to grow to large size and produce a plethora of blooms.  A bed of colossal pumpkins from Half Moon Bay, Calif., ranging in size from 300 to 1,000 pounds, host a whimsical fairytale Ent tree that welcomes guests with a sweet smile and wild botanical ‘hair.’

In the north garden, a walkway of moss-covered stairs is flanked by animated Venus Flytraps awaiting their prey.  Close by, an armillary sphere – a tool used by early century astronomers to chart the heavens – is intertwined with full-grown vines, showcasing the beauty of nature.

In the south garden, a babbling brook leads the eye to a covered rustic bridge inspired by the scenic overpasses of the Northeast.  A scarecrow, colorful gourds and lush cattails complete this autumn transformation.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Introduced during Bellagio’s botanical tribute to spring, an exhibition of large-scale sculptural ants remains by popular demand within the resort’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens through its summer exhibition.  Inspired by the social nature of these industrious creatures, American artist Susan P. Cochran created the 7-member bronze ant colony to represent the ideals of cooperation and teamwork.

A natural home to these oversized, diligent creatures, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens boasts an elaborate summertime display featuring thousands of brightly colored lilies, sunflowers, azaleas and hydrangeas, as well whimsical botanical snails, ladybugs and bumblebees.  Ten potted olive trees, each more than 100 years old, have been carefully sculptured into over-sized bonsai presentations for a rare exhibition.  Additionally, colorful hot-air balloons sail quietly overhead while American flags will provide a patriotic spirit.

On view through September 9, the summer exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

In celebration of spring, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will feature a spectacular floral exhibition filled with vivid blooms and a magnificent one-of-a-kind series of large-scale bronze sculptural ants.  Inspired by the social nature of these industrious creatures, American artist Susan P. Cochran created a seven-member colony that represents the ideals of cooperation and teamwork.

Four enchanting gardens, created by Bellagio’s talented horticulture staff, will provide a lush landscape for these intricately detailed creatures.  Resting below two towering yellow jonquils, a queen ant will allow guests to climb onto her back for a unique photo opportunity.  The stunning 8,500-pound queen will provide an ideal vantage point for viewing an exhibit of botanical snails and bumblebees as well as brightly colored tulips, poppies, daisies, mums and daffodils.

Steps away, three 10-foot-long ants will be found attentively preparing for the warm months ahead at the mouth of a 15-foot-tall flower pot, overflowing with rainbow-hued blooms.  A beautiful spring butterfly will rest atop the oversized pot while a towering 28-foot spade will stand nearby.  Overhead, bumble bees made of preserved sunflowers pause mid-flight in their tireless search for nectar.

Close-by another first for Bellagio’s Conservatory, five giant mushrooms – ranging in size from 5 to 15 feet tall – will provide a natural canopy for the pair of 6-feet-tall ants found communicating below.

A jardin à la française, or French garden, will complete this fantasy botanical wonderland.  Within its fragrant symmetrical borders, a large anthill will be flanked by two water spheres.  A 3-foot-long ant will be seen crawling into the golden sunlight from its earthen tunnel as its industrious counterpart works nearby.

Throughout this mesmerizing exhibit, botany fans will delight to find a rare exhibition of 10 potted olive trees, each more than 100 years old.  Over the years, these ancient trees have been carefully sculptured into oversized bonsai presentations.

Access to the spring exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary to the public and will be on display through May 9, 2010.

Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens celebrates the 2010 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger, with a unique display filled with hidden meaning.  The Conservatory’s design is guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy.

The dramatic centerpiece of this exhibit is a majestic tiger.  His “fur” coat is comprised of dried botanicals.  The tiger stands among a garden of Taihu rocks and overlooks a tranquil pond of Koi, a symbol of abundance and fortune.  Rocks and water are viewed as essential features of any traditional Chinese garden and symbolize the larger world around us.  After spending decades forming underwater, Taihu stones were chosen because they are believed to encourage circulation of ch’i, or natural energy.

Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year.  Twelve came.  The third animal in the Asian zodiac, the tiger serves as a symbol of luck and bravery.  Those born in the Year of the Tiger tend to be natural leaders, competitive and self-reliant.

Just steps away from Bellagio’s courageous feline ambassador, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Prosperity is found amidst gold leafed I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese money symbol.  Widely recognized as the strongest symbol of good fortune and great luck in the New Year, the God of Prosperity will be flanked by two Ming Dynasty-styled dings, ancestral vessels that protect against bad fortunes.

Nearby, a trio of charming, 6-foot-tall giant pandas, made of more than 9,000 living plants, frolic in a lush garden filled with towering bamboo.  Considered a national treasure in China and listed as an endangered species, pandas spend at least 12 hours each day eating up to 84 pounds of bamboo.

Within Bellagio’s Conservatory, visitors will find a zigzag bridge leading to a beautiful, wing-tipped Ming Dynasty-styled gazebo painted a deep red lacquer with shimmering gold trim and green-tiled roofs.  The color red signifies happiness while the upturned roofline will ward off evil spirits.  The sharp pattern of the bridge will protect against negative energy and bad spirits.  A majestic mountain, seen as a pillar between heaven and earth, will serve as a dramatic backdrop.

The teachings of Feng Shui are used to purposely position the flow of water into Bellagio’s Conservatory, and not away, ensuring the flow of positive energy.  Oversized brilliant-red, silk Chinese lanterns throughout the conservatory add to the auspicious nature of this spectacular exhibit.

Visitors are invited to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens through February 28, 2010.

Open 7 days a week, 24 hours.  Free.

Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes winter with a spectacular holiday display rich in nostalgia and filled with picture-perfect botanical creations.  Visitors discover flying reindeer made of pecans and a living holiday card bestowing season’s tidings.  In the center of it all, a spectacular holiday tree sends gazes soaring while musical sounds of the season will evoke fond memories of home.

A polar bear family, adorned with coats of white carnations, tug on the heartstrings of visitors young and old.  The delightful trio, set in a wintry clearing, are seen enjoying a moment of family togetherness.  The baby bear frolics playfully on his back while mama and papa bear watch with affection.

Just steps away, eight reindeer are captured in mid-flight as they guide a present-filled, red-lacquer sleigh into a snowy sky.  The reindeer appear to soar over a giant, living holiday card comprised of thousands of blooming florals.

The inspiring centerpiece of this beautiful exhibit is a stately 42-foot Shasta Fir ablaze in thousands of twinkling lights and encircled by over-sized holiday ornaments that appear to float in mid-air.  Standing at attention around the majestic holiday tree’s base are four grand toy soldiers, each a commanding 15 feet tall.

Nearby, a 7-foot-tall, custom-sculpted rocking horse stands in the midst of a whimsical rail display featuring a working Bellagio-emblazoned train, all calling to mind gifts of yesteryear.  In another corner of this elaborate wintry display, visitors discover a flower-clad snowman surrounded by giant 13-foot-tall peppermint sticks.

Just around the corner at Jean Philippe Pâtisserie, a chocolate Santa dressed in a suit of sugar icing sends spirits soaring with the help of a chocolate airplane.

Guests are invited to enjoy the delights of this winter wonderland 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, through January 2, 2010.  Best of all, it’s free!

Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes fall with a picturesque harvest tableau celebrating the sights and colors of the season. Accented with gold, scarlet and amber hues, the autumnal display will feature a towering 35-foot-tall cider mill powered by a gentle stream.  Just steps away, a 10-foot-tall Ent, a mythical tree made of recycled paper and wood, will be found atop a bed of colossal pumpkins.  The mystical creature  Nearby, a babbling brook will lead the eye to a covered wooden bridge surrounded by ornamental grasses, stately trees and vivid fall blooms.  An oversized, 13-foot-tall scarecrow will complete the fall display by watching over the season’s bountiful harvest and welcomes guests with a sweet smile, gentle eyes and wild botanical ‘hair.’Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is free to the public.  The autumn exhibit will be on display through November 28th.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens tribute to summer runs through September 12th.  Reminiscent of the lazy days of the year’s longest season, the exhibit features colorful cold air balloons, a spectacular Ferris wheel and patriotic displays of the Stars and Stripes.

The dazzling centerpiece, a 42-foot-tall, full-scale Ferris wheel, features seats bursting with sunflowers.  Visitors also will find a glass aviary filled with vividly plumed lorikeets and parakeets, surrounded by an abundant array of wildflowers.  Steps away, a father bear and his cub, clad in botanic fishing vests and hats and carrying wooden poles, are seen on a whimsical fishing adventure.

Nearby, a lemonade stand and tree house evoke memories of childhood play while the recreation of a traditional small-town park calls to mind a sense of togetherness and community.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is free and open to the public seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  Celebrate summer through September 12.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
bellagio.com
888-987-6667