WASHINGTON — Since it opened, MGM National Harbor has promised to bring Las Vegas to the D.C. area. By most accounts, it’s delivered — with a Vegas-class casino, showroom, hotel and restaurants.
Add The Conservatory to that list — thanks to a direct-from-Vegas connection.
“Hope Springs Eternal, a Spring Awakening,” designer Ed Libby said, is “our tribute to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington.”
For Libby, a veteran New York-based wedding planner and designer, the display is his first effort to fill the MGM National Harbor Conservatory.
“There’s 100,000 flowers on display, between fresh-cut flowers and plants,” said the so-called “Florist to the Stars.” Libby has a contract to deliver the seasonal displays in both National Harbor and the legendary Conservatory at The Bellagio in Las Vegas.
His first effort there was for Chinese New Year, and his spring effort there is now on display.
Libby’s crew also got some local help. The workforce development group Melwood delivered 9,000 flowers for the display as part of its ongoing partnership with the resort.
Since the resort is open 24/7, so is your opportunity to see the spring display until mid-May. Then, said Libby, it’s on to the next season.
“Summer and fall are both designed and waiting to get approved. A buildout like this takes two or three months to build, so we’re right on schedule,” he said.
