Phipps Kicks off the Planting Season
Welcome spring at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with the Great Plant Auction, Party in the Tropics and May Market.
Great Plant Auction
Green thumbs can get a jump start on garden purchases during the 32nd Annual Great Plant Auction.
On Friday, April 29, the Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park will be transformed into an auction house with rare, highly sought-after and newly introduced plants, shrubs and trees — all up for grabs.
A silent auction begins at 6 p.m., with the live auction kicking off at 7:30. Admission is $25/members or $30/non-members and includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. Reservations required by calling 412/441-4442, ext. 3925 or online at: phipps.conservatory.org/shop/great-plant-auction.
Party in the Tropics
Tired of the same old soiree? Adults 21+ can stir things up with a cocktail party in paradise on May 6 when Phipps transforms their Tropical Forest Conservatory into a nightspot unlike any other. Let your hair down to the beat of a live DJ from 7 to 11 p.m. while admiring a landscape of lush greenery and rushing waterfalls.
Admission is free, but space is limited. In the event the venue fills to capacity, admission may be temporarily closed. Must have valid ID to enter.
National Public Gardens Day
Guests can enjoy half-off admission on Friday, May 6 in celebration of National Public Gardens Day, gaining access to the whimsical exhibits of the Summer Flower Show as well as the Butterfly Forest.
Photo by Paul G. Wiegman
May Market
More than 40 vendors, including staff horticulturalists, garden clubs, nurseries and farms, will be on hand from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 6 and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7 for Phipps’ 80th annual May Market. This one-stop shopping extravaganza will offer a wide variety of home and garden goods, organic seedlings, rare tropical plants, easy-care perennials, and more. Plus, master gardeners and staff members will be on hand to answer any questions.
Be sure to come hungry, too — trays of their signature fondant-dipped strawberries will be making the rounds. The event is free and open to the public.
