Light up your senses and get a beautiful, fragrant and inspiring dose of peace, love and prosperity when visiting Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ new Lunar New Year display “A Season of Love,” celebrating the Year of the Ox.
Inspiration from Asian art, architecture and culture morphs into serene, artistically impressive displays made up of intricate floral designs and cutting-edge art pieces spread across four scenes that focus on nature, commitment, tradition, children, and travel. “The Year of the Ox represents tenacity and a strong willingness to get through adversity in the coming years, which I think is very appropriate for this year, very appropriate,” says conservatory designer Ed Libby. Stroll and let each scene sink in, like the impressive centerpiece of the conservatory, the West Bed’s tribute to “a very beautiful interpretation of an ancient Asian love story of two lovers who crossed over on magpies each year to meet,” Libby says. Bonsai and willow trees, a towering jade temple, rain fountains, metallic cattail plants and a giant moon stamped with the Ox symbol add to the whimsy and wonderment of the display.
A Feng Shui master, brought in to help lay out the flow of good energy throughout the Conservatory, recommended that the North Bed pay tribute to children and travel. This is where the floral replica of the Temple of the Six Banyan trees stands tall and symbolizes family as traditionally, “this is a temple where children are taken to be blessed when they’re adopted,” Libby says. You’ll also find oversized statues of children, made with fresh-cut flowers, and a boat sailing across the waters that lends to the display’s theme. This is also where a large koi fish springs from the water and represents the Conservatory’s dedication to the use of cutting-edge technology—it was created using a 3D printer. (More 3D-printed technology can be seen hanging from the ceiling in the form of giant jade medallions.)
The East Bed is a perfect picture spot—honestly, the whole space is filled with Instagram-worthy moments—as two giant golden oxen stand on top of an expansive red bridge. Above, gold cherry blossom branches spread spectacularly across the display. Below you’ll find a pond with live koi fish—these are second- and third-generation fish, born in the property’s holding facility, where a dedicated animal specialist oversees their care.
Each display at the Conservatory is built three to six months in advance, with the design process taking a full year. It’s all drawn out by hand first, followed by a more detailed hand drawing, then renderings are made, then builders and artists are brought in to bring each scene to life. The horticulture team tends to the gardens every day, hand-watering and pruning the flowers and foliage. For this particular display nearly 63,000 plants and flowers were used with more than 46,000 fresh-cut flowers and more than 12,000 blooming plants.
“I always encourage the public to see the display during the day and at night,” Libby says. “There’s such a beautiful lighting system in here, and the props light beautifully. Coming back in the evening is a completely different experience. Seeing it illuminated at night is really special. (It) can be more tranquil and romantic.”
Bellagio, free to view through March 6. 702.693.7111
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