This Week at Phipps: April 8 - 14

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: 

• LAST CHANCE: Spring Flower Show: A Closer Look 
  Opening Sat., March 16, and only lasting four weeks, these stunning displays are a must-see to jump-start your season of renewal. With magnifying glasses stationed throughout, you'll be able to admire the details of beautiful blooms in a rainbow of shades.
• LAST CHANCE: Ikebana International Exhibit
  In this recurring exhibit in our Welcome Center Gallery, view gorgeous floral displays courtesy of the Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter. 
• Tropical Forest Hawai‘i: Aloha ‘Aina
  Tropical Forest Hawai‘i: Aloha ‘Aina invites guests to take an exciting, immersive journey through the rich history, nature and culture of the Hawaiian archipelago. 
• 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., April 8: 

• Solar Eclipse Day | GLASSES AVAILABLE 1 – 4 P.M.; BEST VIEW ANTICIPATED 3:10 – 3:20 P.M.
  A total solar eclipse will cross North America, and Pennsylvania is among the states expected to get a pretty good view of this rare and beautiful sight. To celebrate the occasion, Phipps is making a limited number of eclipse glasses available to visitors. Stop by our front desk between 1 – 4 p.m. to claim a pair while supplies last.

Tues., April 9: 

• Botanical Drawing II: Volume, Texture and Details | 6 - 9 p.m. 
  Continue to develop your observation and drawing skills to accurately render leaves, stems, roots and flowers in varying positions, capturing details and textures unique to the botanical subject.
• Romance in the Garden | 7 - 9 p.m. 
  Learn to combine flowers, scents and garden accessories to create an atmosphere of calm and beauty in the garden.

Wed., April 10: 

• 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.
• Energizing Beverages & Bite | 6 - 7:30 p.m. 
  Functional beverages are drinks that are designed to have effects beyond taste and hydration. Explore a variety of ingredients and the relaxing, energizing and restorative benefits they offer.
• Woodland Botanical Nature Design | 6:30 - 8 p.m. 
  Create a gathering of nature’s materials, plants and floral in this unique design, capturing the reflection of a woodland garden.

Thurs., April 11: 

• Building Raised Beds, Trellises, and Critter Fencing | 7 - 8:30 p.m. 
  In this virtual gardening series, learn all the basics for starting your backyard garden, from planting seeds to harvesting fruit and everything in between. Learn the steps necessary to start growing your food from home. 

Sat., April 13: 

• Shinrin Yoku Guided Forest Therapy Walk: Shortened | 12:30 - 2 p.m.
  Come join Forest Awakenings for a relaxing nature retreat shaped by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku. Join this shortened version of our popular forest therapy walk, where we’ll slow down and connect with the More Than Human World in a deeper, more intimate way.

Photos © Phil Johnson II