Phipps Conservatory

Calendar

Exhibits & Events in September 2010

Member & Guest Night: Wed., Sept. 22, 2010
6-9 p.m.; As a Phipps member, take this special opportunity to share an evening tour of the blockbuster exhibit, Gargoyles in the Garden, with up to two non-member guests per member household. To make your reservations, e-mail Joe Reed at jreed@phipps.conservatory.org. When submitting your reservation, list the total number of people in your party. We look forward to welcoming you to this special time in your garden.

Not a member or need to renew right away? Not a problem! Join right now to take advantage of an entire year of free admission at Phipps.

Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics: Beginning Sat., April 24
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be at Phipps' Garden Center on Saturdays to answer Dr. Phipps Greenline questions in person, beginning Sat., April 24. Attendees can bring along a potted plant or a plant sample and ask the Master Gardeners to identify a weed, diagnose a plant pathogen, etc. It’s a great opportunity for people to interact with Master Gardeners and have a conversation about their gardening concerns. The On-Site Plant Clinics supplement the Dr. Phipps Greenline program. People can still call in and leave a message or send an email to the Master Gardeners at any time.

Gothic Gargoyles and a Giant Agave!: May 1–Sept. 12, 2010; Experience our Summer Flower Show, which features colorful summer annuals under the ever-watchful eyes of gargoyles and other mythic creatures. The show includes a 1,000-pound gargoyle, Venetian griffins and winged lions, working gargoyle spouts, floating gargoyles made of found natural materials and more.

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Farmers at Phipps: Wednesdays, June through October, 2010
2:30-6:30 p.m.; Stock up on your veggies and meet local farmers at the second annual Farmers at Phipps market on Phipps Conservatory's historic green. Choose from a variety of local, certified organic and Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) products.

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Butterfly Forest: April 24, 2010 through September 6, 2010; Like flowers that fly, our butterfly collection will enchant nature-lovers of every age. Watch as butterflies emerge from their chrysalises and flutter among the flowers. You will encounter Western Pennsylvania favorites such as Spicebush Swallowtails and Monarchs in addition to non-native species such as Julias and Zebra Longwings.

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Garden Explorers: Second Saturday of June, July, August and Sept.
11 a.m.-noon; On the second Saturday of the month in June, July, August and September, visit Phipps' Children's Discovery Garden from 11 a.m.-noon for a free, family-friendly drop-in class. Learn about the plants in our garden, make crafts, listen to stories and be the first to win our garden scavenger hunt. On Sat., Aug. 14, we will take a closer look at growing food and harvesting from edible containers.

Please click here to RSVP for this event.

Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon: Now open; Journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River inside our Tropical Forest Conservatory, and experience the exotic plants and cultures of the most diverse region on Earth.

Learn More

Summertime Gargoyle Nights: Friday evenings
5-9 p.m.; Every Friday through Sept. 10, visit the Conservatory between 5 and 9 p.m. for Summertime Gargoyle Nights. The cafe features discounted appetizers, including Chef Joe's house made barbecue, and $4 "gargaritas." Docent-led gargoyle tours, presented in collaboration with Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, are free with general admission. Our tour guides will tie the gargoyles, griffins and green men featured in the rooms of the Conservatory to similar gothic architecture in the city of Pittsburgh, offering fascinating historical tidbits, myths and legendary tales along the way. Tours begin at 6 and 7:30 p.m. $20 combo tickets are available and include admission, "gargoyle bites" in the cafe and the tour.

Gargoyles and Early Music: Fri., Aug. 27 and Fri., Oct. 29, 2010
Between 5 and 9 p.m.; During these two special presentations, Phipps welcomes the nationally esteemed Chatham Baroque ensemble to its Palm Court during Summertime Gargoyle Nights. Throughout the evening, the trio will play period instruments such as the viola da gamba, theorbo, baroque guitar and baroque violin. These concerts are free with general admission. This year marks Chatham Baroque's 20th season.

Weekend Happenings

September 4 at 9:30 AM: Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be on-site Saturdays at the Garden Center to answer gardening questions in person.
September 4 at 1:30 PM: Green Practices for Your Lawn; Learn green and sustainable management techniques for your lawn.
September 5 at 1:30 PM: Fall Planting; What should you plant this fall in your garden? Come get some ideas!
September 11 at 9:30 AM: Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be on-site Saturdays at the Garden Center to answer gardening questions in person.
September 11 at 1:30 PM: House Plant Care - How to Water Correctly; Learn how to keep your house plants healthy with the right amount of water.
September 12 at 1:30 PM: House Plant Care - How to Prune and Clean Your Plants; Learn how to prune and maintain house plants.

September 18 at 9:30 AM: Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be on-site Saturdays at the Garden Center to answer gardening questions in person.
September 18 at 1:30 PM: Bonsai; Learn from the Phipps bonsai manager!
September 19 at 1:30 PM: Moving Your Tropical Plants Indoors; Learn how to care for your orchids and tropical plants indoors.
September 25 at 9:30 AM: Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be on-site Saturdays at the Garden Center to answer gardening questions in person.
September 25 at 1:30 PM: Botanical Art Demonstrations; Watch as these three fine botanical artists demonstrate colored pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor.
September 26 at 1:30 PM: Eco- and Ergo- Tools and Accessories for the Gardener; Check out these garden tools that are both environmentally and ergonomically friendly.

Exhibits & Events in October 2010

Phipps Sparkler 2010: Toasting America's EcoFABULOUS Garden: Oct. 14, 2010
6-9:30 p.m.; Mark your calendar now for Phipps' most celebrated annual event, complete with fine food and stunning fleur couture. Proceeds benefit the excellent exhibits and garden programs of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

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Fall Flower Show: Gothic Gardens in Autumn: Oct. 16-Nov. 7, 2010; The world's first displayed N scale garden railroad is showcased as gargoyles and other mythic creatures stand guard over pumpkins, gourds and colorful chrysanthemums.

Garden Railroad: Oct. 16, 2010-March 13, 2011; A family favorite, the Garden Railroad will be featured in the South Conservatory, with five model trains chugging through miniature living landscapes. The world's first displayed N scale garden railroad will appear along with three G scale trains, winding through a meadow, farmland and a forest. Designed by Bob Vukich, the display will remain through March 13, 2011.

PIZZAZZ 2010: Oct. 20-22, 2010; The 15th annual PIZZAZZ boutique shopping event takes place Oct. 20-22 at Fox Chapel Golf Club. Presented by the Garden Club of Allegheny County, a portion of the proceeds will fund the green roof on Phipps' Center for Sustainable Landscapes.

Halloween Happenings: Oct. 29, 2010
4-8 p.m.; Bring the kids in costume and enjoy a variety of Halloween activities throughout the Conservatory. Free with paid admission.

Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics: Beginning Sat., April 24
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be at Phipps' Garden Center on Saturdays to answer Dr. Phipps Greenline questions in person, beginning Sat., April 24. Attendees can bring along a potted plant or a plant sample and ask the Master Gardeners to identify a weed, diagnose a plant pathogen, etc. It’s a great opportunity for people to interact with Master Gardeners and have a conversation about their gardening concerns. The On-Site Plant Clinics supplement the Dr. Phipps Greenline program. People can still call in and leave a message or send an email to the Master Gardeners at any time.

Farmers at Phipps: Wednesdays, June through October, 2010
2:30-6:30 p.m.; Stock up on your veggies and meet local farmers at the second annual Farmers at Phipps market on Phipps Conservatory's historic green. Choose from a variety of local, certified organic and Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) products.

Learn More

Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon: Now open; Journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River inside our Tropical Forest Conservatory, and experience the exotic plants and cultures of the most diverse region on Earth.

Learn More

Gargoyles and Early Music: Fri., Aug. 27 and Fri., Oct. 29, 2010
Between 5 and 9 p.m.; During these two special presentations, Phipps welcomes the nationally esteemed Chatham Baroque ensemble to its Palm Court during Summertime Gargoyle Nights. Throughout the evening, the trio will play period instruments such as the viola da gamba, theorbo, baroque guitar and baroque violin. These concerts are free with general admission. This year marks Chatham Baroque's 20th season.

Weekend Happenings

October 2 at 9:30 AM: Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be on-site Saturdays at the Garden Center to answer gardening questions in person.
October 2 at 1:30 PM: House Plant Care - How and When to Transplant; Learn transplant techniques for your house plants.
October 3 at 1:30 PM: Mums; Learn how to select, plant, and care for chrysanthemums.
October 9 at 9:30 AM: Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be on-site Saturdays at the Garden Center to answer gardening questions in person.
October 9 at 1:30 PM: Common Insect Prevention and Detection; Learn how to scout, detect, and prevent insects from damaging your house plants.
October 10 at 1:30 PM: Green House Plant Care; Learn green tips and techniques for caring for house plants.
October 16 at 9:30 AM: Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be on-site Saturdays at the Garden Center to answer gardening questions in person.

October 16 at 1:30 PM: Bonsai; Learn from the Phipps bonsai manager!
October 17 at 1:30 PM: Mulching and Winter Bed Preparation; Learn how to prepare your garden for the winter.
October 23 at 9:30 AM: Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics; The Phipps Master Gardeners will be on-site Saturdays at the Garden Center to answer gardening questions in person.
October 23 at 12:30 PM: Origami; Create flowers, gargoyles, and other shapes from folding paper.
October 24 at 1:30 PM: Eco- and Ergo- Tools and Accessories for the Gardener; Check out these garden tools that are both environmentally and ergonomically friendly.
October 30 at 1:30 PM: Halloween Design; Incorporate spooky plants into your Halloween this year!
October 31 at 1:30 PM: Magical Mystery Herbs!; Learn about herbs with a Halloween twist!

Exhibits & Events in November 2010

Winter Flower Show: Nov. 26, 2010-Jan. 9, 2011; Celebrate holidays past, present and future with snowmen made of white garden flowers, spectacular hanging baskets and beautifully bedecked evergreens.

Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon: Now open; Journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River inside our Tropical Forest Conservatory, and experience the exotic plants and cultures of the most diverse region on Earth.

Learn More

Fall Flower Show: Gothic Gardens in Autumn: Oct. 16-Nov. 7, 2010; The world's first displayed N scale garden railroad is showcased as gargoyles and other mythic creatures stand guard over pumpkins, gourds and colorful chrysanthemums.

Garden Railroad: Oct. 16, 2010-March 13, 2011; A family favorite, the Garden Railroad will be featured in the South Conservatory, with five model trains chugging through miniature living landscapes. The world's first displayed N scale garden railroad will appear along with three G scale trains, winding through a meadow, farmland and a forest. Designed by Bob Vukich, the display will remain through March 13, 2011.

Weekend Happenings

November 7 at 1:30 PM: Chocolate!; Learn interesting botanical and cultural facts about chocolate.
November 13 at 1:30 PM: Bow Making; Learn how to make bows and embellishments.
November 14 at 1:30 PM: Indoor Orchids; Learn how to care for orchids indoors.

November 20 at 1:30 PM: Colorful Plants for Your Home; Get inspired with ideas for colorful house plants.
November 21 at 1:30 PM: Christmas Gifts for the Gardener; Check out some interesting garden tools and accessories that would make great gifts for a special gardener.
November 28 at 1:30 PM: Preparing Perennials for Winter; Learn how to prepare your perennials for winter.

Exhibits & Events in December 2010

Garlands & Gifts and Holiday Teatime at Phipps: Dec. 2, 3 and 4, 2010
12:30-3:30 p.m.; Get ready for the holiday season at Phipps Garden Center (1059 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15232) with a greens sale accompanied by traditional English tea. For $25 (members, $22), enjoy tea sandwiches, pastries, scones and tea in the library followed by a greens sale. Peruse evergreen swags, garlands, wreaths, other living decor and finery for the home, plus unique holiday gifts. (Fri., tea at noon; Sat., two seatings: 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) Reservations required by Nov. 30: Tricia Derry: tderry@phipps.conservatory.org.

Candlelight Evenings: Dec. 6-30, 2010
Mon.-Sun. until 10 p.m.; The Winter Flower Show is even more enchanting at night, with candlelit walkways and live entertainment. Phipps remains open until 10 p.m. daily through the holiday season.

Family Fun Days: Dec. 26-30, 2010
11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Pack up the kids during their holiday break and head to Phipps. Fun and educational activities throughout the Conservatory feature learning stations, crafts, pot-a-plant and more. Free with paid admission.

New Year's Eve Family Celebration: Dec. 31, 2010
6-9 p.m.; Ring in the New Year with the whole family at a special Phipps New Year's Eve celebration. Enjoy themed crafts, games, food and a lively steel drum band! At 8:45 p.m., participate in an early countdown to welcome in the new year. Free with paid admission.

Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon: Now open; Journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River inside our Tropical Forest Conservatory, and experience the exotic plants and cultures of the most diverse region on Earth.

Learn More

Garden Railroad: Oct. 16, 2010-March 13, 2011; A family favorite, the Garden Railroad will be featured in the South Conservatory, with five model trains chugging through miniature living landscapes. The world's first displayed N scale garden railroad will appear along with three G scale trains, winding through a meadow, farmland and a forest. Designed by Bob Vukich, the display will remain through March 13, 2011.

Winter Flower Show: Nov. 26, 2010-Jan. 9, 2011; Celebrate holidays past, present and future with snowmen made of white garden flowers, spectacular hanging baskets and beautifully bedecked evergreens.

Weekend Happenings

December 4 at 1:30 PM: Conifer Identification in the Winter; Learn how to identify winter trees by their cones, branches, and shapes.
December 5 at 1:30 PM: Caring for Holiday Plants; Learn how to care for poinsettias and other festive plants this holiday season.
December 11 at 1:30 PM: High Light and Low Light Plant Selections; Learn how to select plants based on light availability in your home.
December 12 at 12:30 PM: Origami; Create flowers and other shapes from folding paper.

December 18 at 1:30 PM: Holiday Plant Selections; Get ideas for holiday plants and decorating.
December 19 at 1:30 PM: Caring for Holiday Plants; Learn how to care for poinsettias and other festive plants this holiday season.
December 26 at 12:30 PM: Origami; Create flowers and other shapes from folding paper.

Exhibits & Events in January 2011

Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon: Now open; Journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River inside our Tropical Forest Conservatory, and experience the exotic plants and cultures of the most diverse region on Earth.

Learn More

Garden Railroad: Oct. 16, 2010-March 13, 2011; A family favorite, the Garden Railroad will be featured in the South Conservatory, with five model trains chugging through miniature living landscapes. The world's first displayed N scale garden railroad will appear along with three G scale trains, winding through a meadow, farmland and a forest. Designed by Bob Vukich, the display will remain through March 13, 2011.

Winter Flower Show: Nov. 26, 2010-Jan. 9, 2011; Celebrate holidays past, present and future with snowmen made of white garden flowers, spectacular hanging baskets and beautifully bedecked evergreens.

Exhibits & Events in February 2011

Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon: Now open; Journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River inside our Tropical Forest Conservatory, and experience the exotic plants and cultures of the most diverse region on Earth.

Learn More

Garden Railroad: Oct. 16, 2010-March 13, 2011; A family favorite, the Garden Railroad will be featured in the South Conservatory, with five model trains chugging through miniature living landscapes. The world's first displayed N scale garden railroad will appear along with three G scale trains, winding through a meadow, farmland and a forest. Designed by Bob Vukich, the display will remain through March 13, 2011.