The giant lily pads (above) are not real at all.  They are made of LEGO bricks, those marvelous toys kids love to play with to this day.  Turns out one of those "kids" of yesteryear converted his childhood passion into his artistic career.  He and 13 other folks are "Certified Professionals,"  not LEGO employees but are recognized by the LEGO Group as trusted business partners.

New York artist Sean Kenney is one of them and is the only independent artist in the world that has produced steel reinforced, fully glued outdoor-grade LEGO installations, like the ongoing display at the McKee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach, FL.

The exquisite craftsmanship is clearly visible (right) in the base of a table lamp constructed of the blocks and available for sale in the garden's gift shop.  $800+.

Tune in tomorrow and enjoy the rest of this story.