This Week at Phipps: Aug. 14 – 20

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: 

• EXTENDED THROUGH SEPT. 10! 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.
• Member Appreciation Month
  Phipps is dedicating August to our members with a month of fun exclusives. Join us for our Member Bring-a-Friend Days, Member Double Discount Days, a Membership giveaway and more!
• 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.

Tues., Aug. 15: 

• Gardening for Birds | 6 – 8 p.m.
  Join us to learn how to plant your way to a Bird-Friendly Backyard, while making your property both more beautiful and an ecosystem asset.
• Pan Asian Tour: Asian Grill | 6 – 8 p.m.
  This month, we’ll end this tour with an Asian Grill medley. On the menu is Yakitori, Korean Short Ribs served with grilled vegetables and a sesame garlic sauce.
• Fall Floral Crown | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  Learn the mechanics and best practices for creating your own stunning floral crown.

Wed., Aug. 16: 

• ​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!
• Language of Flowers | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 
  Students in this course will learn history of floriography, with particular emphasis on the Victorian era, a time when it was often used for secret communications.

Thurs., Aug. 17: 

• Happier Hours: Goat Cheese | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
  Make and pair refreshing cocktails (or mocktails!) and small bites that are perfect for entertaining or just enjoying by yourself on the porch or deck.

Sat., Aug. 19:

• Plant ID Walk: Wooded Edge Plants | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
  On each Saturday walk, landscape architecture instructor and plantsman Joshua Beblo will introduce you to dozens of plants in the landscape. 

Photo ©  Paul g. Wiegman