Las Vegas: Bellagio brings on the spring blooms

Just in time for the arrival of spring, the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Bellagio are trotting out enough flowers to bring warmth even to those for whom winter weather is still a reality.

Through May 11, the conservatory will feature rotating displays, with nearly 8,300 plants in bloom at any one time. To add touches of whimsy, for which the gardens are famous, 17-foot-tall tulips and 22-foot-tall daffodils help herald the new season.

Keeping in mind that spring’s the time when butterflies emerge from their cocoons, more than 800 of the winged creatures will flutter inside a purpose-built greenhouse. Visitors can witness the transformation from pupa to butterfly thanks to TV cameras that transmit the live “action” to several large monitors.

Nearby, a 26-foot-tall windmill — reminiscent of those found in the flower fields of the Netherlands — is surrounded by an array of fresh mums, poppies and tulips. Glistening, oversized “raindrops” sprinkle “April showers” onto the garden.

Live musical performances add to the ambience. Through April 7, the Victorian Gazebo in the South Garden will host a jazz guitarist Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, a flute and harp duo will entertain during the same slot.

The displays are free. They are open 24 hours a day.

Follow us on Twitter @latimestravel

Like us on Facebook

travel@latimes.com