Seed Saving Workshop

Thurs., Aug. 21 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Homewood- Brushton YMCA

Seed saving can be a cost effective and meaningful way to grow your favorite varieties every season while also sharing them with others to enjoy! Join us for this seed saving class to learn the basics of seed saving!

Weedy Plant Wander

Thurs., Aug. 21 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
Mellon Park, outside Phipps Garden Center

Join community herbalist and permaculture garden designer Therese Robbins of Heart Beet Herbals on a plant tour of Mellon Park. We will meet and interact with some medicinal, edible, and native plants and discuss their medicinal, culinary, or horticultural uses. There will be many opportunities to ask questions. This class will take place outdoors and will include some walking. Please wear walking shoes and feel free to bring a water bottle, notepad, and weather protection. 

Growing Garlic Basics

Mon., Sept. 22 | 6 – 7 p.m. 
Virtual via Zoom

Discover the essentials of growing your own garlic! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this virtual workshop covers everything you need to know:

• Types of Garlic: Learn about hardneck and softneck varieties.
• Planting Techniques: Understand optimal planting timing.
• Harvesting Tips: Recognize signs that your garlic is ready.
• Curing and Storage: Master proper garlic curing methods.
• Join us and cultivate flavorful, homegrown garlic!

Tea Blending: Digestion and Stress

Thurs., Sept. 25 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Learn to make your own calming tea blend with Michelle Soto of Cutting Root Apothecary & Farm. In this class we will explore herbs that support relaxation of the nervous and digestive systems, taste test some popular herbs, and make our own tea blend that participants can take home and enjoy. We will explore where and how these plants grow, use our senses to discover and discuss their main properties and provide a brief introduction to formulating a tea blend.

How to Winterize Your Garden

Thurs., Oct. 2 | 7 – 8 p.m. 
Virtual via Zoom

Have questions about how to settle your garden after the growing season? Join us for this class that will focus on ways to protect your soil and ways to clean up your garden in prep for the winter months. 

Wonderful Weeds: Herbal Plant ID Walk

Tues., Oct. 14 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Outside Botany Hall at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Join community herbalist and permaculture garden designer Therese Robbins of Heart Beet Herbals on a plant tour of the outdoor gardens of Phipps Conservatory. We will meet and interact with some medicinal, edible and native plants and discuss their herbal, culinary or horticultural uses. There will be many opportunities to ask questions.

Fall Veggie Pot Pie

Thurs., Oct. 16 | 6 – 8 p.m. 
Botany Hall Teaching Kitchen at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

It’s Fall time, so let’s bring on the cozy meals! Join us for this fun cooking workshop where we’ll learn how to make a fresh pie crust and create a Fall themed pot-pie!

Healthy Harvest Series: Risotto Revolution: Pumpkin Barley Risotto with Toasted Walnuts, Drunken Cranberries and Fried Sage

Tues., Oct. 28 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom

Join Chef Emily Larsen on Zoom from anywhere for our three-part virtual series Healthy Harvests to transform your 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 Risotto Revolution: Pumpkin Barley Risotto with Toasted Walnuts, Drunken Cranberries and Fried Sage.

Fall Tree Identification

Wed., Nov. 5 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Zoom
Sat., Nov. 8 | 10 a.m. – noon in Schenley Park

When the leaves have fallen you can still identify trees by their bark and buds. In this class, you will learn to identify the patterns of various trees so that you can recognize those commonly found in the area. Join botanist Kyle Filicky for a walk through Schenley Park to learn the characteristics of local trees.

Healthy Harvest Series: Scorned Vegetables: Sumac Eggplant, Lemony Brussel Sprout Salad and Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Wed., Nov. 5 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom

Join Chef Emily Larsen on Zoom from anywhere for our three-part virtual series Healthy Harvests to transform your 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 Veg: Sumac Eggplant, Lemony Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad and Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower.

Healthy Harvest: Dinner with the 3 Sisters: Crispy Corn Cakes with Maple Roasted Squash and Cream White Beans

Wed., Nov. 12 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom

Join Chef Emily Larsen on Zoom from anywhere for our three-part virtual series Healthy Harvests to transform your 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 Dinner with the 3 Sisters: Crispy Corn Cakes with Maple Roasted Squash and Creamy White Beans.

Tea Blending: Sleep and Stress

Mon., Nov. 17 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Learn to make your own relaxing tea blend with Michelle Soto of Cutting Root Apothecary & Farm. In this class, we will explore herbs that support calmness of body and mind, taste test some popular herbs and make our own tea blend that participants can take home and enjoy. We will explore where and how these plants grow, use our senses to discover and discuss their main properties and provide a brief introduction to formulating a tea blend.

Veggie Forward Thanksgiving Sides

Thurs., Nov. 20 | 7 – 8 p.m. 
Botany Hall Teaching Kitchen at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

What’s a good Thanksgiving meal without good side dishes? This class will focus on veggie forward side dishes that will complement any main dish!

Composting for Beginners

Tues., Dec. 9 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom

Ever wondered what composting actually is—and how to start doing it in real life? In this virtual class, we’ll break down the basics in a simple, approachable way. You’ll learn how to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into a rich garden amendment, no matter your space—from a small apartment to a larger backyard. We’ll talk about what to compost (and what not to), how to keep your bin balanced, and how to choose a setup that works for your lifestyle. Whether you're compost-curious or ready to dive in, this class will help you get started with confidence.

Phipps Behind the Scenes Tour

Tues., Jan. 13 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Ever wonder what behind the scenes operations look like for the Conservatory? This tour will take you behind the scenes of the Conservatory to show you everything it takes to grow hundreds of different plants year-round!    

Cozy Tea Blends

Tues., Jan. 27 | 6 – 8 p.m. 
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Got the Winter blues? Join us for this herbal workshop that will focus on several warming, supportive herbal concoctions, as well as explore the plants that leave us feeling cozy and nourished especially on the really gray winter days!