The holidays will be here before you know it, and decorations are going up all over Nebraska. None are more iconic than the massive poinsettia tree at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha. People Magazine called it one of the strangest Christmas trees in the whole country. The 20-foot tree is a holiday tradition at the gardens, and if you haven’t seen it in person yet, make this the year you go.
The gardens get all dressed up for Christmas, with colorful lights draped from plants and bright decorations dotted throughout the space.
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Although many of the plants are sleeping for the winter, you can still see some magical sights.
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The 20-foot-tall living poinsettia tree is definitely the most impressive sight.
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These short-blooming flowers are nurtured for months to be sure they’re ready to show off their flowers for the annual display.
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The tree is built on a welded metal frame specially designed to cradle the colorful flowers.
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It’s watered through an internal irrigation system that keeps the plants happy and healthy. There are no ornaments on this tree; they would damage the delicate blooms.
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The first crop of flowers is on display for a couple of weeks before garden staff swap them all out for fresh ones.
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For the first time, this year the poinsettia tree will be made up of different colors of poinsettias. Expect to see rich reds, sparkling whites, speckled flowers, and more.
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The entire main building is taken over by holiday lights and decorations, including the model train on 300 feet of tracks.
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The train runs through a little model Omaha, complete with landmark buildings and bridges.
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It’s a holiday experience that you won’t want to miss this year. The tree and the rest of the display will be up from November 23 to January 5th. Admission to the holiday display is included with your admission price.
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This botanical garden in Omaha is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every day of the week; it will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Find out more about this truly remarkable tree on the Lauritzen Gardens site.
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While you’re there, be sure to check out the incredible greenhouse that’s 80 degrees year-round.
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Address: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
