This Week at Phipps: July 24 – 30

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 AUG. 13! 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.
• 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., July 25: 

• Dyeing with Nature Series: Introduction to Indigo Dye and Shibori | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  Learn a fast and easy way to make indigo dye that is ready to use in as quick as ten minutes while also exploring the techniques of Shibori, the traditional Japanese art of patterning indigo-dyed fabric.
• Plants, Cuisine and Culture: African American Cuisine with Toni Tipton-Martin | 7 – 8 p.m.
  Toni Tipton-Martin is a culinary journalist and author using cultural heritage and cooking to build community. She is editor in chief of “Cook’s Country by America’s Test Kitchen,” two-time James Beard Award winner for her books on African-American cooking, and recipient of the prestigious Julia Child Award for making a profound and significant difference in the way America cooks, eats and drinks.

Wed., July 26: 

• Summer Short Course: Growing and Using Herbs | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Join Phipps, Penn State Extension and featured speaker Holly Shimizu, a nationally recognized horticulturist, consultant and educator, for a full day exploration of growing and using herbs.
• ​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!
• Wildlife in Pennsylvania | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  Learn about the plant and animal life of the area, the hidden world beneath our feet and the biodiversity and interconnections of this wild world. Learning about the local wildlife will give you a better understanding or their actions and motivations and will help you to welcome more wildlife into your garden.

Sat., July 29

• Events and Large Scale Design Workshop: Guerilla Floral Installations | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  Guerrilla installations are temporary flower installations in unexpected public spaces. In this course participate in a group format to construct an exhibit for public viewing. This physically challenging class will have indoor studio and outdoor production time.

Photo ©  Paul g. Wiegman