Phipps recommends:
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Featured

Join us for a fun and delicious afternoon and bring a basket or bag of fresh produce to donate to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and receive FREE admission to the Conservatory.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, in conjunction with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, presents the 5th annual Tomato and Garlic Fesitval:  Red, Ripe and Roasted on Sunday, August 16 from 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.

The festival will include a local farmers' market, chef demos and tastings, a tomato judging contest and much more. Doug Oster, popular contributor and co-host of local gardening shows and columns has partnered with the event, and will be on-site to participate in the festival activities.

Make sure to bring your biggest, smallest and ugliest tomatoes for the judging contest, which will be judged by a renowned panel of judges within the local green scene. The event will take place rain or shine!



Other Featured Exhibits & Events

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.
Red, Ripe & Roasted: Tomato & Garlic Festival
Aug. 29, 2010
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrate the bounty of summer at Phipps' sixth annual Tomato & Garlic Festival, which features two of summer's tastiest crops. Enjoy an afternoon of tastings, demostrations and a farmers' market. Bring a donation for the Food Bank and receive free admission to the festival.
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.
 
Up, Up and Agave!
Ongoing
Phipps' Agave americana, estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, is in the midst of a spectacular transformation as its central stalk grows at a rate of up to 12 inches per day, literally through the roof of Phipps’ Desert Room. Visit often to witness the rise (and fall) of this mighty succulent, which will reach 30 feet or more into the sky and bear a number of yellow, tubular flowers before slowly collapsing and dying. Update: The agave is in bloom! Visit the outdoor Japanese Garden to see the sunshine yellow flowers.
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.
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.
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.