Plants are blooming for LEGO® Enthusiasts: since the introduction of the Botanical Range back in 2020, we have seen the arrival of 14 ICONs botanicals sets, 6 creator sets and two gifts with purchase. We have seen the 1000 piece LEGO Friends Botanical Garden, a set that was for many adults, their first Friends set.
Today, the LEGO Group unveiled 21353 – The LEGO Ideas Botanical Gardens. With 3792 pieces, this set has 12 unique minifigures. It has four birds, a dog, a frog, a bunny and a squirrel. It is two baseplates wide, 64 bricks wide, and it contains over 35 brick built species of plants. It will go on sale on November 4th (November 1 for LEGO Insiders), at LEGO Branded retail outlets, priced at $AUD499.99/ €329.99 / £289.99 / $USD329.99 / 429.99 CAD
Press Release
The model is divided into three main atrium, with the central area raised compared to the outer two. A new curved window element, including a corner has been produced for this set and helps to capture the spirit of the location beautifully.
The main atrium features a spiral staircase leading to an observation deck, offering breathtaking views of two large exotic trees. The two smaller atriums house an arid garden filled with impressive cacti and a cozy café where visitors can relax. Outside, the gardens are adorned with colourful peonies and other vibrant plants, creating a picturesque scene that’s perfect for display.
The set was designed by Italy-based LEGO fan Valentina Bima as part of the LEGO Ideas programme. Once designed, 10,000 people voted for it to be made into a real set. Talking about her design, Valentina said, “I’ve been a fan of LEGO building since I was a child, and wanted to create a design that combined my love for botanical gardens and my favourite element – all transparent elements. The elements of this colour allow you to break down the external-internal border; the transparent elements allow you to build buildings, vehicles, spaceships or anything you can imagine with a pleasant and captivating external shape allowing you to see the internal details and the LEGO Minifigures”.
This set includes 12 LEGO minifigures, the most ever included in a LEGO Ideas set, featuring four staff members (the manager, two gardeners, and a barista) and various visitors. Additionally, the set comes with assorted animal figures, including a dog, a squirrel, a bunny, four bird figures, and a beetle element, bringing the botanical garden to life.
I love some of the storytelling incorporated here: from the young boy who has picked a flower to please his mother, to the visually impaired character – taking in the sounds of smells of the gardens. This is the first time a face print with glasses of some type has not represented this. The cafeteria looks too much like those I have seen, and I love the coffee menu. Designer Chris McVeigh has also been thoughtful of those who wish to rearrange the minifigures, or explore the garden by ensuring that not only the roof, but also the wall at the rear of the arid garden, allowing access to both.
Is is Modular, like the Ideas submission?
Some people will be disappointed by the way that this model has been changed from meeting the ‘modular building’ specification, by removing connection points at either end. The model has expanded, however from 48 to 64 studs wide, and there is some room to move around the enclosed building. I the absence of the footpath, as well as the additional entry gate makes it feel to me that it might be a little impractical to consider part of the modular world, whatever the LEGO Marketing department try to say…
New Flower Elements
Alongside the new window elements there are 2 new flower elements created for this set. One, the peony, has surfaced already, recolours red in the Wicked buildable characters set as a rose, while the other is a new tulip element. These elements have been combined with others throughout the build to help create the collection of different flowers included in this model.
What do you think about this set? Is it for you? Between the X-Mansion, November is seeing around a meter of shelf space being taken in baseplate space alone! Leave your comments below.
Gift With Purchase for Insiders
If you order this set during the first week of November 2024, and are a LEGO Insiders member, you will also receive 5009005 Entrance Gate. With another bird, butterfly and grounds keeper, will this be the enticement you need to purchase this set?
The LEGO Ideas The Botanical Set is available for LEGO Insiders from 1st November 2024 for all from 4th November priced at €329.99 / £289.99 / $329.99 / 429.99 CAD / 499.99 AUD . Please consider using our affiliate link: The Rambling Brick might receive a small commission from any purchases you make, helping us to offset the costs of maintaining the blog.
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Until Next Time,
Play Well!