This Week at Phipps: Oct. 19 – 25

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.

Mon., Oct. 19: 

• The Neighborhood Beneath Your Feet: Who Lives in the Leaf Litter? | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  Every fall, the leaves pile up. But underneath that fallen layer, an entire ecosystem is hard at work. Come meet the insects, fungi and microorganisms that make this one of nature's most productive habitats, supporting birds, salamanders, oak trees and more. You may just leave that rake alone.

Wed., Oct. 21: 

• 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.
• Herbs from the Witch's Garden | 6 – 7:15 p.m.
  Did witches exist? Did they really fly through the air on broomsticks? Did herbs have something to do with this? And can you use herbs to cast a few spells? All these important questions will be answered in this mystical, magical class.

Fri., Oct. 23: 

• Halloween Happenings | 5 – 8 p.m.
  Halloween is right around the corner and Phipps' spook-tacular gardens are the perfect place for your family to enjoy a hauntingly good time! Little ghosts and goblins can come to the Conservatory in costume for an evening of festive, family-fun activities that are free with regular admission.
   

Photos  © Paul g. Wiegman