This Week at Phipps: Feb. 21 – 27

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: 

• Orchid and Tropical Bonsai: An Ocean of Color 
  Immerse yourself in stunning displays that burst with color and fragrance as you admire orchids in a vast array of shapes, sizes and colors, as well as the exquisitely trained specimens in our tropical bonsai collection.
• 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. 
• Ikebana International Exhibit
  Explore these delicate arrangements as they adorn our gorgeous Welcome Center with beauty, grace and tranquility.
• 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.
• Garden Railroad: Bridges and Tunnels
  Join us on a locomotive journey through a delightful miniature display of the bridges, tunnels and inclines of western Pennsylvania and beyond at this all-new Garden Railroad exhibit!

Mon., Feb. 21:

• Sourdough Bread| 7– 8 p.m. 
  In his recently released book, Sourdough Culture: A History of Bread Making from Ancient to Modern Bakers, author and environmental science professor Eric Pallant (aka Dr. Sourdough) shows how throughout history, sourdough bread baking has always been about survival.

Tues., Feb. 22:

• Plant Health Care| 6:30 – 9 p.m. 
  Understand the core management techniques and strategies used to keep plants healthy and address plant health issues (pests, diseases, and environmental problems) using the most effective responses with the least negative impact on the environment.​

Wed., Feb. 23: 

• The History is on the Plate: Deconstructing African American Food History| 7 – 8 p.m. 
  Beginning with a traditional African American plate, the presentation will focus on eight plants important to African American cuisine: rice, corn, peanuts, okra, watermelon, chili peppers, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes. Using traditional stories, illustrations, and history, Dr. Harris will discuss their connections to and importance in African American history and culture.

Thurs., Feb. 24:

• New England Clam Chowder with Skillet Cornbread| 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  Take advantage of the cold winter weather to get extra cozy and warm in the kitchen. Chef Emily will help you create flavor filled delicious soups with quick bread accompaniment. 

Sat., Feb. 26: 

• Botanical Drawing ll: Volume, Texture, and Details| 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
  Learn how to apply skills gained in Botanical Drawing I to accurately capture various plant forms, details and textures that are unique to the subject. 

Photo © Paul g. Wiegman