This Week at Phipps: July 29 – Aug. 4

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: Summer Flower Show: Under the Sea
  Starting Sat., May 4, dive into the magical underworld of the ocean with whimsical displays of an array of sea creatures, unique plant foliage and fantastic flora.
• NOW OPEN: Butterfly Forest
  Starting Sat., May 4, watch colorful butterflies break free of their chrysalises to soar and glide among beautiful Phipps blooms. One may even land on you!
• Sea Creature Creations: A Youth Art Exhibit
  In this annual exhibit in our Welcome Center, view sea creature creations from The Fairchild Challenge student participants.
• Highlands Flora Project: Fraged Plants of Southwestern Pennsylvania 
  Now open in Phipps' Garden Center, plant lovers of all ages can enjoy stunning illustrations of foraged plants commonly found in southwestern Pennsylvania. Foraged Plants of Southwestern Pennsylvania is part of the Flora Project, a collaboration between Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Botanical Art and Illustration Program and the Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society.
• Youth Climate Advocacy Committee Sustainable Art and Fashion Gallery
  Now open in the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, view the handcrafted sustainable pieces crafted by Phipps’ YCAC members, who are passionate about sharing eco-friendly fashion and art habits and while encouraging youth to implement this in their own creative works.
• 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.

Tues., July 30:

• Summer Short Course: From Dirt to Gold: The Science of Composting and Soil Health | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Join Phipps, Penn State Extension and local experts for a full day of exploration in soil care, organic plant production, composting and more!

Wed., July 31: 

• 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.
• Cooking From Your Herb Garden | 6 – 8 p.m.
  Join Chef Emily Larsen in engaging all your senses in this aromatic class. We’ll start this hands-on class in the herb garden, then Chef Emily will lead us through an herbaceous meal utilizing our freshly picked herbs!

Thurs., Aug. 1:

• Pressed Flower Stained Glass | 6 – 8 p.m.
  Preserve flora, fauna, and your memories into a cabinet of curiosities that you can cherish in the form of your choosing. Make any 2: brooches (pins), magnets, or curious objects. You will learn how to cut sheet glass and foil the edges, although pre-cut glass shapes will be provided, along with all materials.
• Fiery Fermented Condiments | 6 – 8:30 p.m.
  If you love hot, spicy and fermented foods, this is the class for you! We will explore the history of fiery ingredients and products used around the world, touching on everything from chile peppers and ginger to horesradish and harissa paste. Participants will walk away with a variety of fiery ferments and an understanding of how to ferment just about any spice or vegetable into a fiery condiment.

Sat., Aug. 2:

• Under the Sea Family Adventure Night | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
  Dive into the magical underwater world of our Summer Flower Show: Under the Sea with a night full of family friendly activities! Kids can look forward to exciting and educational activity stations, meet a mermaid and more. Plus, we'll continue the under the sea celebration by highlighting our adorable koi fish located in the Tropical Forest Conservatory! 

 

Photos © Phil Johnson II