Spring at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Japanese inspired bamboo tea house

The Bellagio Hotel Conservatory and Botanical Gardens always presents some of the most visually appealing floral displays. I never fail to see their seasonal offerings when I'm in Vegas. This Spring's theme is the Japanese Garden. The scene is complete with a temple, a bamboo tea house, stone lanterns, a footbridge, and cherry blossom trees, the quintessential symbol of spring in Japan.

The garden is awash with tulips, the elemental spring bulb. I spotted an exuberance of daisies, hyacinths, chrysanthemums, lilies, cyclamens and other blooms I couldn't name. Above is the cherry blossom tree with 300 oversized acrylic blossoms and leaves. Overhead are painted paper parasols which may or may not provide shade from the sun but are pretty nonetheless.

These photos were taken in the evening so the mood is markedly different. The colors are more edgy and the lighting adds a magical quality to the fountains.

A temple

This 26-foot tall temple is wrapped in rice paper shoji screens. A golden veneer has been applied to the upper floors, an allusion to the famous Kinkafuji or Golden Temple in Kyoto.

Crane

Two scene stealers are the 6-foot tall crane and the tortoise topiaries These are considered mystical creatures in Japanese culture and represent longevity. The crane also symbolizes good fortune.

The Bellagio floral display is open 24 hours daily and admission is free. This particular display will continue through May 11th. The Bellagio Hotel and Casino is at 3600 South Las Vegas Boulevard.

“And spring arose on the garden fair

Like the spirit of love felt everywhere

And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast

Rose from the dreams of the wintry rest.”

Percy Bysshe Shelley

*****

Images by Charie

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