Bellagio gardens reflect summer season

A summer showcase, complete with colorful floral exhibits and large-scale bronze sculptural ants, remains on display in the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, through Sept. 9.

The free conservatory, near the hotel lobby at the main entrance, is open 24 hours a day. Its exhibits change each season.

The summer garden features thousands of lilies, sunflowers, azaleas and hydrangeas, along with colorful hot air balloons .

Giant bumblebees, ladybugs and snails inhabit the scene. There are 10 potted olive trees, each more than 100 years old.

Specially designed lighting spotlights the flowers to accentuate their best features. To ensure the gardens maintain their beauty 365 days a year, 140 horticulturists arrange and update the exhibits during their run.