This Week at Phipps: Jan. 26 – Feb. 1

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.

Tues., Jan. 27: 

• Flower Power for Emotional Wellbeing | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
  Having flowers in your home or office environment can have a positive influence on a your emotional status by helping easing stress and anxiety, lifting your spirits and fostering creativity! Beat this season's winter blues and explore the healing powers of flowers as instructor Polly Berginc guides you through a tutorial full of simple designs, flower appreciation, inspiration and peace of mind. She will demonstrate simple techniques using a variety of containers readily available in your home to brighten your space with doses of calm.
• Virtual Members-Only Education Class: Winter Warm Up: Italian Penicillin Soup | 6 – 7 p.m.
  Join Chef Emily for a virtual demonstration of Italian Penicillin Soup! This soup is the perfect antidote to winter. It’s delicious, budget friendly and can easily be made vegetarian. It also finally gives you a good use for your left over parmesan rind. Chef Emily will also show you how to make parmesan tuile (wafers) for garnish while the soup simmers.

Wed., Jan. 28: 

• 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.
• Botanical Bundle Dyeing | 6 – 9 p.m.
  Join us to create your own botanically dyed piece! Workshop participants will learn how to bundle dye using plants, flowers, and other natural sources. Join us to make your own scarf, bandana, cotton napkins or tote bag using a collection of dried flowers that were grown, collected and saved from instructor Amy’s dye garden. Come out and join us for a little bit of magic and plant appreciation to take home your own custom made, unique, botanically bundle dyed item!

Fri., Jan. 30:

• LAST CHANCE: Festive Nights of Winter Lights | 5 – 10 p.m.
  To celebrate the success of Phipps Holiday Magic, we’re letting our Winter Light Garden shine for a few more nights of festive wonder. Drop in for a serene stroll among the luminous orbs, trees, towers and fountains of light in our Outdoor and Children’s Discovery Gardens.

Sat., Jan. 31:

• Native Plant and Sustainability Conference | 9 a.m. –3:45 p.m.
  Join us for Phipps' annual one-day forum to explore an exciting lineup of speakers with presentations focusing on native plant species to beautify your garden, the affects of light pollution in nature, Phipps' Sustainable Garden Award winners and so much more!
• LAST CHANCE: Festive Nights of Winter Lights | 5 – 10 p.m.
  To celebrate the success of Phipps Holiday Magic, we’re letting our Winter Light Garden shine for a few more nights of festive wonder. Drop in for a serene stroll among the luminous orbs, trees, towers and fountains of light in our Outdoor and Children’s Discovery Gardens.

 

Photos  © Paul g. Wiegman