This Week at Phipps: Feb. 9 – 15

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: 

• Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love
  The beautiful gardens of Phipps provide the perfect warm escape from Pittsburgh's winter chill! You’ll be captivated by romantic displays in this year’s Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love. Gorgeous displays featuring an array of beautiful orchids and fascinating bonsai fill the glasshouse. Join us to celebrate love while immersing yourself in ephemeral and entrancing nature. You’re sure to leave with your heart feeling warm!
• Garden Railroad: The Age of Dinosaurs
  Garden Railroad: The Age of Dinosaurs will highlight each distinct period of the Mesozoic Era. Guests can watch a group of dinosaurs moving through greenery while listening to the powerful sound of a dinosaur roar! In addition to these features, the plant evolution through the different time periods will be on display, from ferns, cycads and conifers to the first flowering plants. Each prehistoric period will have its own train to follow along so you can learn about their unique characteristics. 
• 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
• The Audacity of the Mundane: An Exhibition of Artwork by Charlee Brodsky
  In this collection of still-life photographs, artist Charlee Brodsky makes the ordinary extraordinary by carefully curating everyday and found objects to create a story with tension and intent. The artist pairs the photographs with clever, thought-provoking titles to enhance the narrative. 
• 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., Feb. 9:

• Matrix Planting for the Home Gardener | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  Matrix planting is naturalistic gardening in its purest form. It’s been the hottest professional design trend over the past few years, but it hasn’t gained much traction among home gardeners. Why? I believe it’s because people don’t know where to start. In this presentation, we'll explore where to begin your matrix planting journey, where students will receive an extensive handout that summarizes the content so that no note-taking is necessary.

Wed., Feb. 11: 

• 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., Feb. 12:

• Herbal Sachets & Potpourri Workshop | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  Celebrate Valentine’s Day by discovering the art of blending your own romantic herbal sachets and potpourri in a hands-on workshop with Daynell Marbury of Chantille’s Forever Florals. Using dried flowers, herbs and essential oils, you’ll craft custom aromatic blends that are perfect for relaxation, self-care, or as a heartfelt gift for someone special. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with your own custom Valentine sachets and potpourri—beautiful keepsakes to enjoy at home or share as thoughtful gifts.

Fri., Feb. 13:

• Valentine's Night at Phipps | 5 – 10 p.m.
  Celebrate the most romantic night of the year in Phipps' historic glasshouse! On Fri., Feb. 13, Valentines Night at Phipps invites lovebirds to view the Conservatory illuminated in bright red, listen to classical music echo throughout the glasshouse and view gorgeous purple, pink and white orchids in our Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love. The first 300 couples to arrive at 5 p.m. or later can receive a complimentary rose. Plus, you can enjoy drinks from a cashless (credit card only) bar that will be open from 5 – 7:30 p.m.

 

Photos  © Paul g. Wiegman