Among the many sights and sounds of the Las Vegas strip, few have captured the hearts and imaginations of locals and tourists alike as Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

Even with its entertainment, sumptuous culinary delights and voluptuous Tuscan architecture, the claim to fame of Bellagio seems to be its emphasis on the intrinsic pleasure of nature’s beauty. Throughout the hotel, abundant displays of the deepest shades of green and the most vibrantly colored blooms abound—lending character and beauty throughout the property. Clearly, no stone has been left unturned, or expense spared, in this singular pursuit of natural ornamentation.

The crowning achievement is the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Upon entering the 13,000-square-foot atrium, a cornucopia of exquisite topiaries, fragrant blooming plants, and specially selected trees and shrubbery greets visitors. One need not be a plant lover or flower expert to appreciate and be seduced by the beauty and artistry of these gardens. Immediately, the eye is met with up to 10,000 flowers—including lilies, roses, orchids, carnations, tulips—and rare plants and trees (like the 100-year-old Bougainvillea tree). Depending upon the time of year, the massive plant and floral displays can be accented by manmade ponds, bridges, moving water works, symphonies, and a visionary’s choice of other elaborate props and backdrops.