This Week at Phipps: Oct. 21 – 27

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: 

• LAST WEEK: Fall Flower Show: Rhythm and Blooms
  Phipps’ Fall Flower Show: Rhythm and Blooms celebrates an array of musical genres accompanied by countless chrysanthemums in marvelous shapes, sizes and colors. Each room is inspired by a different genre of music, from rock and roll to classical, jazz, hip hop and more! 
• Garden Railroad: Movie Magic 
  Garden Railroad: Movie Magic will allow guests to explore a bustling movie lot home to genres like fantasy, western, science fiction, horror and action with whimsical and interactive aspects! With an abundance of fascinating features surrounded by a beautiful plant palette, our Garden Railroad is sure to bring Hollywood magic to the glasshouse.
• Ikebana International Exhibit
  In this recurring exhibit in our Welcome Center Gallery, view gorgeous floral displays courtesy of the Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter. 
• Highlands Flora Project: Fraged Plants of Southwestern Pennsylvania 
  Now open in Phipps' Garden Center, plant lovers of all ages can enjoy stunning illustrations of foraged plants commonly found in southwestern Pennsylvania. Foraged Plants of Southwestern Pennsylvania is part of the Flora Project, a collaboration between Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ 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.

Mon., Oct. 21:

• Getting Started with Tropical Plants | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
  Discover the lush world of tropical houseplants! In this class, you’ll learn how to care for and maintain these vibrant green companions. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, this course will equip you with essential knowledge to keep your tropical plants thriving throughout the year.

Tues., Oct. 22: 

• Making Salads the Main Course: Roasted Brussels and Crispy Quinoa | 6 – 8 p.m.
  Take salads off the side in this hands-on hearty salad class. Highlights include browning butter, popping quinoa, the wonders of anchovies, a roasted garlic dressing, and egg poaching tips. Sweet potato rolls accompany the salad.
• Free Admission Tuesday | 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Enjoy free admission at Phipps on two special Tuesdays. Explore our permanent plant collections, fall flower displays, Garden Railroad, Tropical Forest and more!

Wed., Oct. 23: 

• 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., Oct. 24:

• Compassion, Nature and Regeneration: A Meditation, Way of Life and Discussion | 10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
  The program includes a guided meditation led by American physician, Buddhist monk and personal physician to the Dalai Lama, Barry Kerzin, and a joint presentation with Phipps President President and CEO Richard Piacentini. Participants are invited to support living beings and their environments into regenerative impact for self, community and the world. Compassion is a critical ingredient for survival. 
• Elevated Understory | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 
  This class integrates design and ecology to help you create attractive understory plantings. These could be under front yard trees or shrubs or any areas of woodland edges. Gain inspiration for your own gardens that will look wonderful and add an important aspect of supporting wildlife. 

Fri., Oct. 25:

• Halloween Happenings | 5 – 8 p.m.
  Halloween is right around the corner and Phipps' spook-tacular gardens are the perfect place for your family to enjoy a hauntingly good time! Little ghosts and goblins can come to the conservatory in costume for a day of festive activities free with regular admission.

Sat., Oct. 26:

• Botanical Drawig II: Volume, Texture and Details | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Continue to develop your observation and drawing skills to accurately render leaves, stems, roots and flowers in varying positions, capturing details and textures unique to the botanical subject.

Photos © Paul g. Wiegman