BRIGHT, plastic and nothing short of fantastic.
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The biggest attraction at this year’s Ballarat Begonia Festival was in full bloom at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
The giant Lego replica of a begonia bloom was transported into the gardens via forklift, ahead of the festival this weekend.
Lego-certified professional Ryan McNaught spent about 400 hours designing and building the 2m red, yellow and orange plastic flower.
WATCH THE LEGO MASTERPIECE COME TOGETHER:
Mr McNaught sourced more than 100,000 bricks in 11 different colours to replicate the Can Can begonia.
He and another worker built about 5cm of the Lego flower each day after starting the project in August.
Even Mr McNaught’s children had a say in the design.
“The ladybird (on the flower) is named Lucy ... my kids named it,” he said.
The art piece will be unveiled to the public on Saturday at 10am.
City of Ballarat mayor John Philips said he was amazed by the structure.
“It blows my mind, it is amazing,” he said.
“It will be a huge attraction for people coming to the festival.”
Festival-goers can also explore a Lego treasure trail for the chance to win a trip for four on the Pacific Jewel P&O Cruise Ship in January 2016.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Ballarat Begonia Festival
WHERE: Ballarat Botanical Gardens
WHEN: March 7 to 9
TIME: 10am to 5pm
COST: Free
