Phipps Stories
Aug 03
2026
This Week at Phipps: Aug. 3 – 9
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:
- Summer Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Summer Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland invites you to journey down the rabbit hole for an unforgettable adventure! With beloved story book scenes brought to life in each room, Phipps provides a wonderful experience for all. This fantastic show bursts with colorful interactive elements, topiary creatures, unique foliage and so much more. Prepared to be wowed by this extraordinary experience all summer long! - Tropical Forest Panama: Bridge to Biodiversity
Embark on a spectacular journey through the lush vegetation and vibrant culture of Panama, the incredibly biodiverse land bridge connecting North and South America, in our immersive new Tropical Forest Conservatory exhibit - Pennsylvania Fungi and Their Natural Habitat
Now open at Phipps' Garden Center in Mellon Park, nature lovers of all ages can enjoy stunning illustrations of fungi species in diverse habitats. Pennsylvania is home to thousands of fungi species, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from mature hardwood forests to urban mulch, particularly in spring and fall. Fungi are a distinct kingdom of eukaryotic organisms—separate from plants and animals—that are essential for breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in ecosystems. - Youth Eco-Action Showcase: A Youth Sustainable Art and Fashion Exhibit
Explore Stunning Sustainable Artwork and Fashion by Young Environmentalists! Sustainable art and fashion are forms of creative expression intentionally constructed in ways that do not harm the environment. They often address topics like climate change, environmental concerns and social justice. Materials are recycled, salvaged, repurposed or sustainably produced, coming from local or nearby sources. Sustainable art and fashion aim to protect both the environment and the people who produce art materials or clothing. - 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. 4:
- Garden and Design Certificate Orientation | 6 – 7:15 p.m.
Join us for a short online orientation to learn more about how to earn a certificate in either Ecological Gardening or Landscape and Garden Design. We will go over all of the required core classes and possible electives in for completing a certificate. There will also be an opportunity for interested students to meet one-on-one after the orientation. Details will be provided once you register. This Certificate Orientation is free; but registration is required.
Wed., Aug. 5:
- 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., Aug. 6:
- A Sustainable Rose Garden | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
This lecture highlights all of the sustainable methods used to inform the recent redesign of the Rose Garden at Brookside Gardens, a 55-acre public garden in Wheaton, MD. Learn about heirloom roses, the importance of a diversified plant palette and IPM techniques that are crucial to practice when keeping an organic rose garden.
Photos © Paul g. Wiegman