Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes summer with the debut of its new display, “Eco: A Season of Earthly Awareness.” Designer Ed Libby and Bellagio’s horticulture team carefully curated “Eco: A Season of Earthly Awareness,” bringing to life the importance of keeping our planet beautiful.
The West Bed represents the element of earth with the display of Gaia, The Goddess of Earth. Standing more than 22 feet tall, Gaia is draped in vines and crowned with flowers, marking the sacred relationship she shares with humanity. Surrounding her, two cascading waterfalls flow from a cathedral ruin wall covered in moss. The garden is surrounded by blue Hyacinth macaws and two giant passion-flower blossoms, some of the most prized treasures of the rainforest flowers. A Scarlet Ibis standing at 10-feet tall delights guests as they turn the corner of the garden bed.
Symbolizing replenishment and cleansing, the South Bed represents the element of water. A large wall of vines, botanicals and floral arrangements descend from the ceiling, becoming the backdrop for a Koi fishpond with streaming waterfalls and flowing fountains. Perched on two rocks, two vibrantly colored tree frogs watch the crowd below and a turtle topiary with fresh-cut flowers as its shell greets guests at the corner of the garden bed.
The East Bed represents the element of air. An impressive two-story treehouse towers over the garden inviting guests to walk underneath the spectacular structure to catch a glimpse of a cozy retreat. A wooden plank walkway spans two parts of the rainforest, connecting guests to the next part of their journey through the exhibit. Arches delicately designed with botanicals, tree frogs and bright exotic butterfly sculptures offer astounding views from all angles of the East Bed.
The North Bed pays tribute to the element of fire, with a meticulously designed Phoenix as the focal point. Rising from its ashes as the captivating centerpiece representing humanity overcoming adversity, the Phoenix flies above a volcano spewing steam and molten lava. Among the lush greenery in the garden sits a jaguar on a tree branch. Pitcher plants hug the large tree while large 3D-printed lady slipper orchids lay between begonia leaves.
“Eco: A Season of Earthly Awareness” is on display through August 28, 2021.