This Week at Phipps May 27 – June 2

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.
• 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.

Wed., May 22: 

• 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.

Thurs., May 30:

• Grounds and Horticulture Tour of Fallingwater | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
  Join Phipps for a special landscape tour led by Fallingwater’s horticulturist, focusing on the historic landscape that surrounds the house. Explore native plant species of the Laurel Highlands, including woodland wildflowers. Get unique insight on the cultural landscape of Fallingwater as well as stunning views of the Youghiogheny River and Bear Run.

Fri., May 31:

• Shinrin Yoku Guided Forest Therapy Walk | 10 a.m. – Noon
  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.

Sat., June 1: 

• Bird Watching Walk in Schenley Park | 8 –  9:30 a.m.
  Join us for a morning of exploring the ecology and biology of our native Pennsylvania birds! We will start with an introduction to bird life and then seek out some feathered neighbors in Schenley Park. 

Sun., June 2: 

• BioBlitz Family Fun Festival | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Bring the whole family to Phipps for a free, fun festival celebrating science, art and nature! Our annual BioBlitz festival will bring together families, students, local scientists and naturalists, teachers and community leaders to explore the biodiversity of Schenley Park. All free and open to the public, attendees will meet local experts while engaging with community organizations and agencies!

Photos © Paul g. Wiegman