Bellagio Resort and Casino, an internationally respected five-star resort, is a 3,000-room hotel property with a Mediterranean-inspired garden estate setting, complete with the world famous choreographed water “spectaculo.” Lifescapes introduced WET to Mirage Resorts to design the fountain show, and then world-renowned Kenny Ortega was engaged to choreograph the dancing waters.
At the heart of Bellagio is a whimsical and seasonally changing conservatory garden which is the centerpiece of this luxury property. Monthly garden stories feature dramatic plantings with seasonally complementary accessories, which entice guests to return throughout the year for a difference experience.
A tremendous conservation effort by the Lifescapes team salvaged several hundred mature trees from the old Dunes hotel golf course. They were nurtured and maintained until they were able to become part of the permanent installation of the picturesque promenade along the Las Vegas Strip.
The elegant pool area, featuring six pools, is complete with three Lifescapes’ inspired, Vicenza-carved stone fountains. Twelve sculptured arches located along the central promenade define each distinct pool area. Relaxing pools, soothing spas, garden vista cafes, and private cabanas are accented by artfully formed citrus and parterre gardens. The formal use of plantings along with groupings of Cypresses, olive trees and climbing vines in large unique Mediterranean urns define the gardens’ unique characteristics.
This exquisite destination raised the bar for future resort development along the Las Vegas Strip.
Now designated as a Nevada Scenic Highway, the Las Vegas Beautification Project consisted of 4 ½ miles of streetscaping the landscape medians on the greatest midway in the world. Seventy-six thousand palms, shrubs, flowering foliage and ground cover were planted. Completed in 1996, more than 200 strip frontage property owners unanimously approved this $13 million special improvement district project, which had no fiscal impact on individual Clark County taxpayers.
Majestic Mansion is situated on 90 acres along the western edge of the historic Summer Imperial Palace. As the first major residential project in this historically significant neighborhood, the design needed to be considered with great sensitivity and respect. Lifescapes created a palette of stately European gardens capturing sweeping views and vistas to complement the stately Classical European character of the architectural design. Beautiful roses, grand fountains, arbor-covered walkways, sculptural trees and elegant wrought-iron fencing, in part, shape the majesty of this very special, luxuriant community.
We are honored to be part of the remodel of the iconic Rainbow Room that epitomizes the glamour and charm of New York City. From the main terrace to the garden along the gallery, we added trees, clipped topiaries, hedges and pottery in varying sizes that introduce a lush, green softness in contrast to the limestone architecture. On the main dining terrace, we also reconfigured the chair and table layout to maximize the Manhattan skyline views 65 stories up.
Beautiful privet trees soften the corners while tall arborvitae spirals frame the large windows. Boxwood globes, cones, and hedges accented by colorful vinca and English ivy create an exquisite combination of color and texture atop the world class perch with breathtaking views of the city in all directions.
Installations from 2015 – early 2019
Situated among a complex of 14 commercial buildings on the west side of Fifth Avenue in New York City, in the middle of the 200 ft. plaza promenade, are the beautiful and imaginative Channel Gardens that are the central axis of the center. The six granite pools, each with bronze-cast fountainhead sculptures of Tritons, Nereids and sea creatures, were designed by Rene Paul Chambellan.
The gilded bronze statue of Prometheus, sculpted by Paul Manship, hovers over the sunken plaza; and its companion piece; Atlas, by Lee Lawrie, sits as a forceful expression of authority in the Fifth Avenue forecourt. All of these components are part of the heritage of this iconic destination. We designed alternating garden scenes which accented the well-known historical art and fountains and offered NYC residents and visitors of all ages dynamic, colorful, floral settings ranging from the very whimsical to more formally floral.
From the Easter lilies that adorned the gardens in early April, to the joyful pink ducks that floated in the fountains in Spring. To the tropical 8′ high custom dragonfly which hovered amongst the array of bromeliads in the summertime to the golden hued abundant marigolds in September and the deep blue hydrangeas in Autumn.
In December, the vibrant red sparkling bands of ribbons caressed the lushly green foliage that connected the holiday angels (Designed by Valerie Clarebout in 1954, and always part of this seasonal celebration) and the statuesque and jolly winter snowman stood poised in late January. These gardens brought a resurgence of appreciation of this significant and treasured American urban destination.
Set on 20 acres adjacent to the historic Farmers Market in Los Angeles, the Grove is a Southern California landmark offering a lush, park-like setting; a vibrant pedestrian streetscape and internal transit system using an electric trolley. The large, center fountain features a dancing, water-choreographed show and a nearby grassy area perfect for shows, live concerts and community events. The Spirit of Los Angeles bronze statue of a male and a female angel soaring skyward sits as the centerpiece of The Grove. This iconic center successfully marries the atmosphere of a charming town center with a luxurious shopping resort.
Located on the Las Vegas Strip, the Grand Mansions are part of the overall 5,000-room MGM Resort and Casino. The casino garden environment, some of which is in an enclosed conservatory, features an elegantly designed environment, interior and exterior pool areas, and a parterre garden. The Grand Mansions, exclusive to high roller guests, provide an atmosphere of a quiet and peaceful Mediterranean garden villa in which guests can relax and get re-energized for the Las Vegas nightlife scene.
Lifescapes designed the entirety of the landscape environment, including the legendary mountain, which became a fire and water volcano. Steve Wynn, who had the vision of designing a tropical, South Seas oasis in the middle of a harsh, barren desert, called iconic volcano the real billboard for the hotel.
Other impressive landscaped amenities include the interior conservatory atrium, known as the “rain forest,” which features a combination of real, artificial and preserved plant materials with a myriad of waterfalls, lakes and streams that meander through the gardens; The Dolphin Habitat, Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and the White Tiger Habitat. The Mirage opened in 1989, as the first casino/resort in Las Vegas in 16 years, paving the way for billions of dollars in development along the Strip.