Intensive Beginning Bonsai: Juniper | Bob Dietz

Sun., June 23 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

$35 members | $40 nonmembers | Material fee: $45
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Level: Beginner

Master the ancient art of bonsai in our hands-on workshops, and learn the horticultural techniques of styling, wiring, potting and root pruning. Style your own tree and take it home to build your collection. All classes are suitable for beginners. Materials are provided, but bring a pair of hand pruners if you have them. Class size is limited.

This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Intensive Beginning Bonsai class.

Tropical Bonsai: Oriental Fig | Dr. Norbert Pietrzak

Sat., June 29 | 10 a.m. – noon

$25 members | $30 nonmembers | Material fee: $45
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Level: Beginner

Master the ancient art of bonsai in our hands-on workshops, and learn the horticultural techniques of styling, wiring, potting and root pruning. Style your own tree and take it home to build your collection. All classes are suitable for beginners. Materials are provided, but bring a pair of hand pruners if you have them. Class size is limited.

This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Tropical Bonsai: Oriental Fig class.

Tropical Bonsai: Dwarf Jade | Dr. Norbert Pietrzak

Sat., July 27 | 10 a.m. – noon

$25 members | $35 nonmembers | Material fee: $40
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Level: Beginner

Master the ancient art of bonsai in our hands-on workshops, and learn the horticultural techniques of styling, wiring, potting and root pruning. Style your own tree and take it home to build your collection. All classes are suitable for beginners. Materials are provided, but bring a pair of hand pruners if you have them. Class size is limited.

This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Tropical Bonsai: Dwarf Jade class.

Vincent Van Gogh and Japonisme | Brenda Jordan

Tues., June 11 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$20 members | $25 nonmembers
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Botany Hall Auditorium
Level: Beginner

Explore the relationship between Vincent Van Gogh and Japonisme, including how Van Gogh himself thought about Japan and Japanese art, what Japanese art he collected and how his interactions with Japanese art may have impacted his paintings of plants. Then enjoy a guided tour of Summer Flower Show: Van Gogh in Bloom.

Bees, Moths, and Butterflies | Dr. Ryan Gott, Phipps' Associate Director of Integrated Pest Management

Thurs., June 13 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Outdoor garden walk: Sat., June 15 | 10 – 11 a.m.
$30 members | $35 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center (lecture; please note change of venue) and the outdoor gardens at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (walk)
Level: Beginner

Get to know the local bees, moths and butterflies of Pennsylvania. Learn basic anatomy so you can distinguish each of these groups of insects with clarity. You’ll learn about important species and actions you can take at home to support beneficial insects. Plus, take a guided walk in Phipps’ outdoor gardens to observe, appreciate and identify insects.

Macro Photography | Bob Egan

Wednesdays: July 10, 17, 24 and 31 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

$120 members | $140 nonmembers
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Botany Hall Auditorium
Level: Beginner to intermediate

Learn about the equipment and techniques you need to take photos of small objects and make them appear larger. Then, explore the Conservatory and practice those techniques with cameras and tripods. Your photographs will be reviewed and critiqued in a friendly, encouraging environment each week. This hands-on class is open to people of all levels of experience. Please bring cameras and close-up equipment to each session. Any type of camera is capable of producing great macro shots.

Bringing Van Gogh into Your Garden | Lynn Purse

Tues., Aug. 6 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$20 members | $25 nonmembers
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Botany Hall Auditorium

Garden designers often draw on the work of artists as inspiration for their designs. Vincent Van Gogh is beloved for his bold use of color and shape when painting flowers and landscapes in France. Learn how to bring his artist’s eye for color, shape, light and proportion into your own backyard by referencing his paintings. Based on practical tips and the exploration of artists’ gardens, find the inspiration you need to bring the gallery to your garden. Then enjoy a guided tour of Summer Flower Show: Van Gogh in Bloom.