This Week at Phipps: Nov. 3 – 9

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: 

• COMING SOON: Phipps Holiday Magic 
  This year’s playful theme, “Wild Winter,” invites you into a wonderland of whimsical topiary wildlife and enchanting scenes at every turn. Step inside and prepare to be dazzled by breathtaking new displays, brilliant décor and our signature floral masterpieces. From vibrant amaryllis and delicate orchids to a spectacular showcase of poinsettias, every bloom is a burst of seasonal joy. And the magic doesn’t stop at there! Outside, our beloved Winter Light Garden transforms the night with radiant displays in vivid, glowing hues — a dazzling spectacle sure to delight guests of every age.
• 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
• Native Plants of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Their Bird Associates and Pollinators
  In Phipps' Garden Center, plant lovers of all ages can now enjoy stunning illustrations of native plants and their pollinators symbiotic relationships. 
• 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.

Wed., Nov. 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.
• Healthy Harvest: Scorned Vegetables: Sumac Eggplant, Lemony Brussel Sprout Salad and Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  Join Chef Emily Larsen on Zoom from anywhere for this three-part virtual series that will transform the end of the season harvest into delicious and innovative gourmet dishes. Have a healing encounter with the vegetables that may have given your inner child the ick, learn about centuries old indigenous agricultural practices and take a fresh look at pumpkin by skipping the spice and keeping it savory. On the menu we have Scorned Vegetables: sumac eggplant, lemony shaved brussels sprout salad and roasted garlic mashed cauliflower.
• Fall Tree Identification | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  When the leaves have fallen you can still identify trees by their bark and buds. In this virtual class, you will learn to identify the patterns of various trees so that you can recognize those commonly found in the area, then join botanist Kyle Filicky for a walk through Schenley Park to learn the characteristics of local trees.

Thurs., Nov. 6:

• Growing and Using Luffa Sponge Gourds | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  Think luffa is just a bath sponge? Think again! These amazing plants are full of surprises—from garden to kitchen to beauty routine. Join Janice Cox, author of Beautiful Luffa and discover the fascinating world of sponge gourds. You will learn how to grow your own luffa (seed starting, hand pollination and harvesting), plus creative ways to use them in crafts, recipes and natural body care products. We will also dig into their rich history—did you know luffas were once used as oil filters and even shoes? Whether you are a gardener, DIY-er, or just luffa-curious, this presentation will leave you inspired to plant, harvest and create!

 

Photos  © Paul g. Wiegman