This Week at Phipps: May 22 – 28

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: Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter
  This spectacular new show will feature brilliant horticultural displays and breathtaking fashion designs inspired by Billy Porter's local roots and iconic array of accomplishments as an award-winning actor, singer, director, composer and playwright.
• Top it Off: Area Schools Create Sustainable Fashions
  Area middle and high school students were challenged to create their own fabulous, wearable hats made from repurposed materials as part of the Fairchild Challenge. They were encouraged to let their interests and aesthetics inspire them to create a hat that makes a statement. 
• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden's Native Plants 
  Currently on display at Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park, plant lovers of all ages can enjoy stunning illustrations of plants growing at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden's Native Plants is part of the Flora Project, a collaboration between Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden's Botanical Art and Illustration Program and the Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society.
• 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., May 22: 

• Introduction to Pollinator Gardening | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
  Learn how to make a refuge for pollinators and other beneficial insects by providing appropriate plants, managing your garden properly, and creating a habitat for pollinator nesting.

Wed., May 24:

• ​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!
• Fascinating Fascinators | 6:30  –  8:30 p.m.
  Fashion aficionados will enjoy a presentation on this fashion accessory and the protocols around them. Create a fascinator with an assortment of materials and embellish with fresh flowers.

Thurs., May 25: 

•  Members Only: Gardening for Pollinators – What's the Big Deal? | 7 – 8 p.m. 
  Learn about these small and very significant specimens plus how you can do your part to save the world! Growing their favorite plants, making habitat space for them and removing pesticides from your gardening regimen, can attract and protect many different pollinators. 

Sat., May 27: 

• Discovery Garden Day | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
  Phipps’ Discovery Garden is bursting with fun for all ages, featuring fun nature play garden areas, interactive water fountains, a giant tree stump for climbing, welcoming playhouse, percussion instruments, Insect Inn hotel to spot beneficial bugs and more.

Photo ©  Paul Vladuchick