Bellagio Conservatory’s Fall Display is Blooming Beautiful

By Scott Roeben, on September 16 2013
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Of all the free things to do and see in Las Vegas, the unveiling of the seasonal displays at the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio are easily among the most anticipated, and fragrant.

Fall ahead, spring back, who can keep track?
Fall ahead, spring back, who can keep track?

The Bellagio recently switched over to its fall motif, and we’ve got more photos than any human could ever need or want.

This covered bridge is a throwback to similar bridges in New England. And possibly the old one.
This 33-foot covered bridge is a throwback to similar bridges in New England. And possibly the old one.

While some Las Vegas hotels have chosen to pare away their free attractions (like the “Show in the Sky” at Rio), the Bellagio has stayed true to its mission of keeping the Conservatory a place where visitors can see horticultural wonders on a grand scale.

In Las Vegas, you can find whatever floats your boat. Often, literally.
In Las Vegas, you can find whatever floats your boat. Often, literally.

It takes 140 horticulturalists to design and build the Conservatory’s massive displays, and the attention to detail is truly something to behold. The Bellagio’s attraction changes for the holidays, Chinese New Year, spring, summer and fall.

The fall display has some old favorites, like a talking tree. It not only talks, but its eyes move, which is only creepy for a minute.

Just don't get him started about leaves. Nobody cares if a leaf is "singly-toothed" or "lobed," bro.
Just don’t get the talking tree started about leaves. Nobody cares if a leaf is “singly-toothed” or “lobed,” bro.

Speaking of leaves, there are massive glass ones hanging from the ceiling.

This is about as close to seasonal changes as you're going to get in Las Vegas. (It's a desert.)
This is about as close to seasonal changes as you’re going to get in Las Vegas. Hint: It’s a desert.

The exhibit also features “Fantasy Trees” (see below). These 25-foot-tall trees are made by hand from 400,000 feet of willow “withies,” the same material often used to make baskets.

So, if you ever want to apply for a gig as a Bellagio horticulturalist, your basket-weaving degree will finally come in handy.
If you want to become a Bellagio horticulturalist, your basket-weaving degree will finally come in handy.

As always, the flowers in the Bellagio’s fall display are plentiful and stunning. Make sure to stop by the hotel’s Benadryl vending machine. Which probably doesn’t actually exist.

One of the more striking flower varieties are the Celosia. These edible flowers, pictured below, are members of the amaranth family. Celosia’s name comes from the Greek word for “burned,” referring to the flower’s flame-like shape. While edible, please don’t eat the display. The Bellagio has a perfectly good buffet.

Didn't expect to learn anything from a dopey Las Vegas blog, did you?
Didn’t expect to learn anything from a dopey Las Vegas blog, did you?

The Conservatory offers live entertainment, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day, in the form of a harp player. When not in use, the harp is covered.

Wait for it.
Wait for it.

When you’re in Las Vegas, it’s important to always make sure your instrument is covered. You wouldn’t want to contract harpies. (We’ll be here all week.)

A striking element of the new display is an “Ent.” Ents, derived from the word “giant,” are mythical creatures, and the Bellagio’s is 10 feet tall, hand-crafted from paper mache and other organic materials. Just don’t call him a “stalker.”

That's Ent-ertainment!
That’s Ent-ertainment!

A focal point of the fall display is a life-size mill, complete with a working water wheel.

Gristmills used water power to grind grain into flour. People don't mill as much these days. Except at free Las Vegas attractions, of course.
Gristmills used water power to grind grain into flour. People don’t mill as much these days. Except at free Las Vegas attractions, of course.

Much of the Bellagio’s fall display will be familiar to Las Vegas regulars, but that doesn’t make them any less impressive.

You might say this free attraction grows on you! (Well, you might say that, if you never want to be invited to parties.)

Who could forget the name of this flower, we asked, trying to divert attention away from the fact we forgot the name.
Who could forget the name of this flower, we asked, trying to divert attention away from the fact we forgot the name of this flower?

Enjoy more photos from the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio in our exclusive gallery.

Bellagio Conservatory Fall 2013