We were in California last week and had a blast checking out the Lego art at the South Coast Botanic Garden.
I love looking at plants. It’s not just about taking pictures of pretty flowers, although I do love that. For me, it’s about marveling at all that plants do and how little we understand about how they function.
They make their own food from sunshine for goodness sake! How awesome would it be to stand in the sun instead of cooking three meals (plus snacks) a day? If it weren’t for plants, we wouldn’t be here. We owe our very existence to plants, and flowering plants specifically.
Lego Art
Not everyone in my family is so head over heels about spending a couple hours at a botanical garden, but fortunately the South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula also has a Lego art exhibit right now and Anders and Finn LOVE Lego. They even have their own YouTube channels dedicated to Lego: Andertisement and Finn’s Sets (they would be overjoyed if you subscribed to their channels).
Nature Connects® – Lego art exhibit is on display in the garden through May 8, 2016. Artist Sean Kenney created 27 nature-themed displays that are exhibited throughout the garden. Plants, Lego, and an opportunity to make a video? That pretty much covers everyone’s entertainment needs. (Video to come)
The Lego sculptures are spread throughout the space, so to find them all — and you are going to want to find them all — you get to explore most of the gardens. It provided just the motivation Anders and Finn needed to keep going, even when I got us lost and we dragged everyone around the full perimeter.
My brother and his fiancé joined us, even though they aren’t especially into plants, Lego, or videography (but they are into spending time with us!) as we toured the gardens. There’s a children’s garden with a nursery rhyme theme and zoo garden–plants with animal names like tiger lily.
The 87-acre botanic garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. There are also native plants, which provide habitat for insects and birds.
We spent a couple hours wandering the grounds, but you could easily spend more or less time there.
There was a food truck when we were there and you may not bring your own food or drink into the garden. We picnicked outside the entrance.
Plan Your Own Trip
What: South Coast Botanic Garden
Why: Plants and Lego are fun! Walking is good for you. Nature is healthy.
Where: 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California 90274, (310) 544-1948
Who: Plant lovers, Lego enthusiasts, walkers, bird freaks, and people of all ages who like to get outside
How: Garden is open daily (except Christmas) 9 am to 5 pm (last ticket sale at 4:30 pm)
Adults: $9
Seniors (62 and over): $6
Students (with ID): $6
Children (5 – 12): $4
Children (4 and under): FREE
Third Tuesday of each month: FREE
Read More
Our 2011 visit to the South Coast Botanic Garden.
My post from another Lego installation—Art of the Brick by Nathan Sawaya at the Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings, Montana.
Tizer Botanic Gardens near Helena, Montana.