Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens celebrates the Year of the Dog with a striking new Lunar New Year display open now through March 3. Bringing prosperity and good fortune to visitors, the eye-catching experience features colorful lanterns, thousands of I-Ching coins and flowing fountains, in addition to a larger-than-life dog as the centerpiece.
As guests enter the Conservatory through the East Garden, they walk through a circular dome draped in thousands of red roses, yellow forsythia and white orchids. At the garden’s edge, ding pots – ancestral vessels that protect against bad fortune – burn incense from their peaks for good luck. Four fountains line the dome as a fifth, filled with giant coins, is found at the center of the walkway. Illuminating a soft glow, four Chinese lanterns, embellished with hand-painted metallic designs, guide guests further into the alluring display.
Capturing visitors’ attention as they walk through the entryway, an 18-foot Siberian Husky stands guard atop a mountain overflowing with I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese symbol for money. The dog, representing loyalty and bravery, watches over two children as they play with lanterns and fireworks, joined by other dogs running and jumping through the West Garden.
Nearby, a 16-foot Moon Gate towers over the South Garden, highlighting lush vegetation and a tranquil pond. Clusters of silk lanterns and firecrackers, believed to ward off evil as they represent happiness, surround the gate. Across the Conservatory in the North Garden is an 18-foot money tree symbolizing good fortune, wealth and nobility. The lucky tree flourishes with 384 oversized gold-leafed coins on its branches. Giant red lanterns brighten the gardens overhead while bodies of water encompass each garden, ensuring a positive flow of energy.
The Year of the Dog display is the result of close collaboration between designer Ed Libby, Bellagio’s horticulture team and Feng Shui Master George Yau. Each Lunar New Year, Master Yau and team create a serene sanctuary guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. The 11th animal in the Asian zodiac, also recognized as the most loyal, the dog serves as a symbol of fortune and longevity.
The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is complimentary to the public.
Lunar New Year Display By the Numbers
• 22,000: Total number of flowers on display for the duration of the exhibit
• 125: Team members who participate in the display’s assembly
• 1,700: Number of flowers used to create the children
• 18: Number of dogs
• 18 feet: Height of money tree
• 18 feet: Height of main dog
• 18 feet: Height of circular dome in East Bed
• 13: Number of hanging Chinese Lanterns
• 2: Number of Cherry Blossom Trees
