Flora, fauna and even some fanciful fun. Nevada botanical gardens are rejuvenating oases dedicated to conservation, study and education of plants.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Las Vegas
Botanical garden meets awe-inspiring artistry and entertainment? Absolutely–it’s Las Vegas! The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens offer a flora and fauna spectacular in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Each season, a talented horticulture and engineering team transform 14,000 square feet into a wondrous blooming world of inspiring sights, sounds, scents and colors. Now through May 18, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is themed “Tea and Tulips,” an embodiment of fanciful tea parties. Each flower bed celebrates a tea variety: rose hip, chamomile, peach, and lavender. For the ultimate botanical immersion, dine at The Garden Table, an enchanted gazebo at the heart of the Bellagio Conservatory. The summer theme will debut May 25.
Cost: Free.
For more information: bellagio.mgmresorts.com.
Ethel M Botanical Cactus Gardens
Henderson
For a botanical bucket list experience in Nevada, look no further than a chocolate shop in Henderson. What? Oh, yes–Ethel M Botanical Cactus Gardens is home to a three-acre garden featuring more than 300 species of plants, including cacti and succulents native to the American Southwest. The cactus garden transforms throughout the year, including the Holiday Cactus Garden experience starting in November and Lights of Love, a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration. Best of all, enjoy Ethel M’s savory chocolate tastings, a tour of the factory and more before or after your botanical garden immersion.
Cost: Free.
For more information: ethelm.com.
Botanical Garden at Springs Preserve
Las Vegas
A brag-worthy Nevada botanical garden experience awaits at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas. Enjoy dedicated habitats, including the Desert Gems Garden, featuring rare plant species; Wildlife Garden with numerous pollinator-attractors to attract hummingbirds and butterflies; and Teaching Garden where students and educators can learn. With a full event calendar of classes and workshops throughout the year, there is no shortage of immersive education.
Cost: $4.95 per child and $9.95 per adult (residents); $10.95 per child and $18.95 per adult (non-residents).
For more information: springspreserve.org.
Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Reno
For a soul-inspiring stroll through nature, head to Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden inside the Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno. Enjoy acres of diverse plant community, bountiful gardens and foliage changing colors throughout the seasons. The May Arboretum Society is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the arboretum and botanical garden’s long term sustainability and offers special events throughout the year.
Cost: Free. (Become a May Arboretum Society member for exclusive benefits.)
For more information: washoecounty.gov; mayarboretumsociety.org.
University of Reno Botanic Gardens
Las Vegas
Seven acres of beauty that attracts the birds and the bees awaits at the University of Reno Botanic Gardens, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A collection of 4,500 plants managed by the botanic garden manager spans across Test Gardens, Pine Grove, The Cactus Garden, The Courtyard Gardens, the Dry Wash and the Front Garden. Both self-guided and guided tours with master gardener docents are available at this Nevada botanical garden.
Cost: Free.
For more information: extension.unr.edu.