This Week at Phipps: July 20 – 26

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: 

• Summer Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
  Summer Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland invites you to journey down the rabbit hole for an unforgettable adventure! With beloved story book scenes brought to life in each room, Phipps provides a wonderful experience for all. This fantastic show bursts with colorful interactive elements, topiary creatures, unique foliage and so much more. Prepared to be wowed by this extraordinary experience all summer long!  
• 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.
• Youth Eco-Action Showcase: A Youth Sustainable Art and Fashion Exhibit
  Explore Stunning Sustainable Artwork and Fashion by Young Environmentalists! Sustainable art and fashion are forms of creative expression intentionally constructed in ways that do not harm the environment. They often address topics like climate change, environmental concerns and social justice. Materials are recycled, salvaged, repurposed or sustainably produced, coming from local or nearby sources. Sustainable art and fashion aim to protect both the environment and the people who produce art materials or clothing.
• 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., July 21:

• Vibrant Plant Forward Meals: Watermelon Poke Bowl | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  Vegetables will take center stage in this three-part series, Vibrant Plant Forward Meals. Join us virtually with Chef Emily Larsen for approachable, crave-worthy dishes that highlight the summer season produce. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just looking to eat more veggies, this class will leave you well-fed and full of inspiration for making more plant-based meals right at home. We’ll start this series with a bright watermelon poke bowl full of flavor.

Wed., July 22: 

• 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.
• Knotweed Papermaking | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  In this class, you will get hands-on with the texture, natural color, and unpredictability of Japanese Knotweed paper pulp. Make sheets of paper or even create three-dimensional works from knotweed pulp. From there, you can incorporate natural inclusions such as colored pulp, grasses, colored raffia, etc. to enhance your creations.

Thurs., July 23:

• Jazz in the Garden | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
  Phipps is offering Jazz in the Garden performances from July through September in our Outdoor Garden! Enjoy nights of smooth music set against a gorgeous botanical backdrop with some of Pittsburgh's most talented Jazz ensembles. Kicking off this sensational summer music series is legendary jazz artist Roger Humphries and the R.H. Factor Band.

Fri., July 24: 

• Adiós Agave Night at Phipps | 5 – 10 p.m.
  After over 50 years, Phipps' beloved Agave americana is making its final appearance with a massive bloom signifying this plant near the end of its life. Join us as we say goodbye to the gentle giant with tasty agave inspire beverages at our credit card only bar, explore information about this plant and its legacy at Phipps while also being able to stroll through our stunning Summer Flower Show displays!

Sat., July 25: 

• Hoppy Hour with Rabbit Wranglers | 10:30 a.m. – Noon
  Guests can meet our friends from Rabbit Wranglers and say hello to several rescue rabbits in our lush Tropical Forest! Plus, while visiting these adorable furry friends, you'll have access to the stunning florals and showstopping topiaries featured in this year's Summer Flower Show: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

 

Photos  © Paul g. Wiegman