This Week at Phipps: Oct. 12 – 18

By Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

There's always something new to see and do at Phipps! This weekly blog post provides a run-down of the latest happenings so you can plan your visit. Events listed below require no advance registration unless noted otherwise. 

Open Daily: 

• NOW OPEN: Fall Flower Show: Alice's Adventures in Autumn
  Our Alice in Wonderland-themed displays are here to stay through the fall! Opening Sat., Oct. 10, Fall Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Autumn combines the whimsy of Lewis Carroll’s story with stunning chrysanthemums — and a few spooky surprises! Find your favorite characters amongst expertly grown chrysanthemums in an endless variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Phipps has been creating chrysanthemum-themed seasonal shows since 1894, making its Fall Flower Show the longest-running in the nation and a Pittsburgh tradition that you can't experience anywhere else! 
• NOW OPEN: Garden Railroad: Fairies and Gnomes
  Opening Sat., Oct 10, Garden Railroad: Fairies and Gnomes will feature a fantastic forest of gnome and fairy realms, with dragonflies hovering above! Guests can watch these miniature fantasy characters hard at work in their villages while trains pass through the lush greenery. Full-size trees and playful figures of snails, beetles, birds, squirrels and other woodland creatures will complete the enchanted experience. Prepare to be fascinated!  
• Tropical Forest Panama: Bridge to Biodiversity
  Embark on a spectacular journey through the lush vegetation and vibrant culture of Panama, the incredibly biodiverse land bridge connecting North and South America, in our immersive new Tropical Forest Conservatory exhibit
• Pennsylvania Fungi and Their Natural Habitat
  Now open at Phipps' Garden Center in Mellon Park, nature lovers of all ages can enjoy stunning illustrations of fungi species in diverse habitats. Pennsylvania is home to thousands of fungi species, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from mature hardwood forests to urban mulch, particularly in spring and fall. Fungi are a distinct kingdom of eukaryotic organisms—separate from plants and animals—that are essential for breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in ecosystems.
• Planets Earth Virtual Exhibit
  A dynamic exhibit at the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (and now online) addresses the pressing environmental issues of our time and proposes a new way of thinking about how to solve them.

Tues., Oct. 13 : 

• Winter and Spring Gardening for Beauty and Beasts | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  Learn how to attract and retain pollinators in your outdoor space. Explore the world of North American native plants and their symbiotic relationships with local pollinators. Create a plan for summer and fall. Chris Kosin from GaiaScape will share insights on plant selection, seasonal considerations, and garden design principles. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you will gain practical tips to transform your garden into a sustainable haven for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and more.

Wed., Oct. 14: 

• In-Person Story Time | 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  Kids will love visiting Phipps to listen to our storyteller weave tales about gardens, fruits, vegetables, animals and other fun topics. Attend weekly sessions with a special child in your life.
• Chrysanthemums and Classical | 6 and 7 p.m.
  Join Phipps Conservatory and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a magical musical performance in Pittsburgh's green oasis! One-night-only, listen as local musicians play classical chords among a dreamy display of fall blooms. The fun doesn't stop there! Tickets include Conservatory admission, so guests can explore the colorful chrysanthemums, autumnal displays and more of Phipps’ Fall Flower Show: Alice's Adventures in Autumn. 
• Native Plants for Fall Color | 6 – 8 p.m.
  Don’t let your yard “fall” into being a sleepy, tired landscape — extend the beauty of your garden into the autumn by including native plants that shine! Native plant enthusiast Dr. Ryan Gott will share his favorite species, highlighting those that are great replacements for non-native invasive plants.

Thurs., Oct. 15:

• Houseplants 101: Tropicals | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  Discover the lush world of tropical houseplants! In this class, you’ll learn how to care for and maintain these vibrant green companions. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, this course will equip you with essential knowledge to keep your tropical plants thriving throughout the year. Topics Covered include: exploring diversity of tropical species and finding the best one for your space, optimal growing conditions and more!

Sun., Oct. 18: 

• Hometown Homegrown | Noon – 5 p.m.
  Join GoodTaste! Pittsburgh for a celebration of the restaurants, food products and artisans who are defining the region's culinary identity. Set amid the beauty of our gardens, this unforgettable tasting experience invites you to savor exceptional local flavors, and discover the people and places that make Pittsburgh a remarkable place to eat, drink and gather.
   

Photos  © Paul g. Wiegman