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LEGO brings a touch of nature home
And they will not wilt.
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Bonsai Tree set from LEGO Botanical Collection. (Courtesy of/LEGO Group)
W
hile the coronavirus pandemic grows a generation of planting and gardening enthusiasts, those without green thumbs may have another way to funnel their fine motor skills while in work-off mode at home.
LEGO is diversifying in 2021 by launching the Botanicals series targeting the adult builders.
Launched on Jan. 5 there are two new sets available in the LEGO Botanical Collection -- LEGO Flower Bouquet and LEGO Bonsai Tree.
The new collection was not intended to be another brick toy to stow away on the shelves once built, as the owners are given the opportunity to tend to them by remodeling or adjusting the petals to make the flowers blossoming.
As it combines playful activity and enjoying the beauty of nature, the botanicals series was offered as a tool to bring mindfulness and stress relief for busy adults.
"As adults look for new ways to switch off and relax, we're delighted to be able to help them seek solace from their busy everyday lives as they immerse themselves in creating these beautiful botanical builds," said LEGO Group design leader Jamie Berard in a statement.
"The customizable elements and mindful building experience will hopefully help them express their personality as their creativity blossoms."
The statement also cited LEGO Play Well Study 2020, a survey on wellness conducted by the company, that shows 70 percent of adults are looking for new ways to relieve stress and over 80 percent say playing helps them relax.
The flower bouquet comprises an array of various blooms, including snapdragons, roses, poppies, asters, daisies, and pampas grass. The length of the stem is adjustable up to over 14 inches (36 cm) high to fit any vase for a unique piece of home decor that will never wilt nor need watering.
The 756-piece set includes a host of LEGO elements that feature new colors and shapes to perfectly recreate petal shapes.
Measured around seven inches high (18 cm), the bonsai tree model is inspired by the ancient art of bonsai tree sculpting, minus the pruning clippers.
The sense of calm, however, might be obtained from customizing the tree with green leaves or, when the season changes, the pink cherry blossom blooms -- with little frogs make up the petals.
The 878-piece set comes with a rectangular flower pot and wood-effect pedestal for an elegant finish.
The series, which also includes separate sets of roses and tulips, are perfect for both LEGO fans and those looking for a new way to refocus and relax during the pandemic time.
Moreover, to ensure the builders presenting nature in their home, the LEGO Botanical collection uses a number of plant-based plastic elements made from sustainably sourced sugar cane.
The Flower Bouquet and Bonsai Tree sets are available at LEGO certified stores and selected Kidz Station in Indonesia, priced at Rp 859,000 (US$61.27) each. (ste)
