The Americana theme of her summer show, for example, included a replica of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell, a 39-foot long American Eagle, almost entirely created from living materials, Quartz crystal “ice” rocks, a 16-foot topiary drenched in over 200,000 plants, and life-sized “sculptures” of chidren at play stolen right off the canvas of Norman Rockwell. Beds of Veterans’ Honor roses commemorate the occasion.

This is not the first time that Danzak and her design team of six have gone directly to the masters for ideas. A three-dimensional, “living” reproduction of Monet’s Water Lilies paintings garnered much interest during last spring’s presentation. But, inspiration is not confined to the art world alone. Concepts flow from books, the internet, popular culture, and international gardens—“whatever it takes to be creatively stimulated.” Renderings, sketches and detailed storyboards act as dress rehearsals for what will be seen when the curtain finally goes up.

New designs have to be conceived and approved months in advance—sometimes up to a year—because, once agreed upon, plants have to be seeded, grown, then potted and shipped to their tremendous, 90,000 square foot complex encompassing four greenhouses with varying climates. Located behind Bellagio, and used for both storage and staging, the facility sometimes receives up to 7,000 new plants a day. Upon arrival, plants are unpacked, inspected and placed on waist-level boards, slightly reminiscent of factory conveyor belts. Incoming plants are watered and fed through an automated system—which gives specific care instructions for that particular plant species.