Fall foliage pops out in Las Vegas

Fall foliage in Las Vegas is not an oxymoron, thanks to the gardening wizards at Bellagio.

The sights, scents and sounds of autumn – with a bit of whimsy tossed in – can be enjoyed at the resort’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens through the end of November. Pumpkins of various shapes and sizes and more than 8,000 seasonal flowers are just the beginning of the jaw-dropping display.

In the north garden, guests are greeted by a talking tree. With an animated face in the trunk, the branches of the 28-foot-tall tree provide a playground for a family of squirrels (also animated.)

At the center of the harvest display is a working 40-foot-tall mill that pumps water into the tranquil pond below. Nearby, two oversized bears frolic in a pumpkin patch beside two giant apples, each made from more than 1,200 red carnations.

A violinist will perform 4:30-5:15 p.m. and again 5:45-6:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, at the same times, a flute and harp duo will perform.

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is open 24 hours daily. Admission is free.