This Week at Phipps: July 31 – Aug. 6

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.
• 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. 1: 

• Drawing Owls of Pennsylvania and Their Native Habitats | 6 – 9 p.m.
  As part of our series of drawing birds and their habitats we will continue with Owls of Pennsylvania. The drawing birds series of classes has developed into a wonderful mix of art and ecology, many students find the information researched and illustrated creates a personal desire to help birds thrive in an often challenging environment.
• Conquer the Soil: An Evening of Stories with Abra Lee | 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
  Black Americans have always been trailblazers, leaders, and visionaries in the world of plants — for one special evening, guests can join storyteller and author Abra Lee on a journey through American history as we celebrate these iconic plant people and their extraordinary achievements.  
• Bouquet Design Series: Traditional Bouquet | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  In this hands-on workshop, students will construct and arrange one of the most classes bouquet styles, a traditional tight bouquet, while becoming familiar with commonly used floral tools and flowers, and learning the essential tips and tricks of bouquet design.

Wed., Aug 2: 

• ​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!
• Rain Barrels | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  Learn how to reduce stormwater runoff and the spread of pollution by setting up a rain barrel for harvesting, storing, and using rainwater at home. Explore strategies for reducing our impact on local watersheds through water-friendly techniques for common household tasks, lawn and garden maintenance, waste reduction, and more.

Thurs., Aug. 3:

• Happier Hours: Hibiscus Margaritas, Mexican Street Corn, Sopa Aguacate | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  Is there anything better than cocktail hour with snacks?  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. Each class features a delicious cocktail and two small bites.

Sat., Aug. 5:

• Scouting Plant Problems | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  Learn the skills necessary to scout for garden pests and disease, including how to identify common summer pests, where they tend to be found on plants, and the signs and symptoms that indicate their presence. Have a successful summer gardening; be prepared to find and identify whatever comes your way!

Sun., Aug 6:

• Watercolor I: Techniques and Color Theory | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Students will learn the basics of transparent watercolor as a medium, and gain a foundational understanding of the brushes, paper, and paints suitable for botanical watercolor. Using a limited palette, students will explore techniques such as washes and glazes, and practice creating a full range of hues, shades and tones using the limited palette.

Photo ©  Paul g. Wiegman