Bellagio Conservatory celebrates Indian culture

The Conservatory & Botanical Garden at the Bellagio displays the rich colors of autumn in a new way through Nov. 30, with a celebration of India's culture, folklore and festivities through floral and botanical art.

Golden leaves, huge pumpkins, soothing waterfalls and two floral, 14-foot exotic elephants spouting water from their trunks are among the highlights. The elephants, whose eyes blink and tails wag, wear colorful blankets made from 20,000 pink and purple roses. Chandeliers resembling kalire, umbrella-shaped ornaments worn by brides during wedding ceremonies, cast a serene glow.

Two 25-foot tigers made from yellow lentils, red and black cargo rice and caraway seeds watch over the North Garden. A 28-foot talking tree is the home for foxes and peacocks.

Designer Ed Libby's travels to India inspired the display. "We reimagined the usual expectations of the season with colorful additions that celebrate the glamour of fall, adding colors rich in gemstone hues and exploring new themes," Libby said.

The Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Garden is open around the clock and free to the public.