Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale & Grand Opening of Ribbit the Exhibit II & Family Day
+ Plant-a Palooza Fall Plant Sale – November 2-3
+ Watercolor at the Garden – November 5, 12, 19, 26
+ Beginning Watercolor – November 5, 12, 19, 26
+ Palm Beach County Residents Day – November 6
+ Vegetable Gardening Series – November 9
+ Forest Bathing: Nature Therapy Immersion and Tea Ceremony – November 9-10
+ Tai Chi – November 9, 16, 23, 30
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – November 10
+ Backyard Food Forests – November 10
+ Awakening Hearts: A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience – November 10, 24
+ Breaking the Barriers to Orchid Growing – November 16
+ Desert Dish Garden Workshop – November 16
+ Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao & Sound Bath –November 17
+ Ribbit the Exhibit II Grand Opening & Family Day – November 23
+ Story Time in the Garden – November 23
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 29, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 26 different horticultural classes and healthy activities, including two extraordinary special attractions: the annual Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale and the Grand Opening of Ribbit the Exhibit II & Family Day.
“Celebrating the autumnal season in all of its verdant glory, we continue to offer exciting and elevated programming of both new and traditional events at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach,” invites Mounts Interim Director Misty Stoller. “The cooler days of November are also the perfect time to check out all our new family of seven awesome life-sized metal animal statuary, including three giraffes, two elephants, and both a hippo and a lion.”
November also marks the beginning of Mounts Botanical Garden’s extended hours. Starting November 1, 2024, and running through May 2025, the Garden is open to the Public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (with last entry at 3 pm). Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $13 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members.
November 2-3
Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale
+ Saturday: Members-Only Preview, 8:00 am to 9:00 am; Open to the Public, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. (Last entry at 3:30 pm)
+ Sunday: Open to the Public, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. (Last entry at 2:30 pm)
Mounts Botanical Garden’s Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale features the finest plantgrowers, artisans, and experts from across the State of Florida. Visitors can fully engage in the world of plants and learn new gardening techniques, discover what’s trending in floral design, and enjoy Mounts Botanical’s tranquil tropical oasis all at the same time.
- 70+ highly sought-after top growers and artisan vendors.
- Shop a wide variety of rare, exotic, and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more.
- Learn about South Florida’s plant culture by speaking directly with growers.
- Special Presentation: Common Issues in Your Landscape with Mike Sands from Tangled Roots Nursery on Saturday at 11:00 am.
- Fun and informative presentations by speakers and authors who are experts in their respective fields.
- Plus, additional horticultural ‘must-haves’ and unique treasures for your home and garden are also available in the Garden’s Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop.
- Food and dessert trucks will also be at the Garden throughout both days.
Admission is FREE for Mounts Members, AHS Reciprocal Program Members, children under 6; $20 adults; $18 seniors 65+, college students, military with ID; $13 ages 6-17
Note: Admission is by credit/debit card ONLY; no cash. Tickets are nonrefundable.
To purchase tickets in advance, please visit: https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 5, 12, 19, 26
Watercolor at the Garden
with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
Join artist Carl Stoveland and share the love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring your pencils, pens, paints. Sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal, and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Some experience preferred. True newbies should consider the beginners class.Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants. Subjects will be chosen by instructor with assistance from class.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 5, 12, 19, 26
Beginner Watercolor
with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
$20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
If you have always wanted to try watercolor but been overwhelmed by it then this is the class for you. Geared toward novice watercolor enthusiasts, this class will focus on the basics, including a new technique and a simple painting each week. Join artist Carl Stoveland and share your love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring pencils, pens, paints, sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal, and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 6
Palm Beach County Residents Day
Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
Palm Beach County residents receive FREE admission to the Garden on the first Wednesday of every month. Visitors must show proof of residency for entry. Admission for non-residents: $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students, and military with ID; $13 for ages 6-17; free for children under age 6.
November 9
Vegetable Garden Series (2 Classes)
with Volunteer & Master Gardener Phil Bilger
$10 Members $25 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
- Class 1: Beginner’s Guide to Vegetable Gardening in South Florida
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Learn the essentials of starting your very own vegetable garden in Florida’s unique climate. This beginner-friendly class will cover everything you need to know to grow fresh, healthy vegetables right in your backyard or patio. From understanding Florida’s seasons and soil types to choosing the right crops and proper planting techniques, you’ll gain the confidence to successfully cultivate a thriving garden. We’ll also dive into methods to reduce pest and disease problems, watering strategies, and tips for maintaining your garden throughout the year. Whether you have limited space or acres to work with, this class will provide practical advice and hands-on guidance to get you started. Perfect for those new to gardening or anyone looking to refresh their skills.
- Class 2: Vegetable Gardening Maintenance in South Florida: Taking Care of Your Garden
(Tuesday, January 14, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Ready to take your vegetable gardening skills up a notch? This class is designed for gardeners who have some experience but want to deepen their knowledge and improve their garden’s productivity in Florida’s unique climate. We’ll cover advanced topics such as crop rotation, soil enhancement techniques, organic fertilization, disease management, and integrated pest management. You’ll also learn how to extend your growing season, optimize your garden’s layout for better yields, and select the best heirloom and hybrid varieties for Florida’s challenging conditions. This class offers hands-on advice tailored to Florida’s subtropical environment, ensuring you can grow a wide range of vegetables year-round with confidence. Ideal for those looking to refine their gardening practices and boost their harvest.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 9, 10
Forest Bathing: Nature Therapy Immersion and Tea Ceremony
with Certified Nature Therapy Guide Kathy Andio
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Forest Bathing, also known as “Nature Therapy,” is an immersive experience in nature that gives you an opportunity to reset your outlook on life and have an encounter with the nature in a way that you have never experienced before. It is a sensory practice that takes you away from your phone, computer, and social media and back to what your body yearns for…..a connection with nature. A sense of peace. A sense of relaxation. A sense of being in the present moment. It provides the perfect time to become a human “be” ing instead of a human “do” ing! During a Forest Bathing experience, you will be invited to slow down and reconnect with nature’s perfect balance using your senses to see the sunlight playing through the leaves, smell the flowers, and feel and hear the gentle wind whispering to you to return to your native roots and discover your deeper self. Your nature encounter concludes with a tea ceremony to connect with other like-minded nature lovers. Forest Bathing has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, lift depression, reduce stress, and improve sleep. But beyond these physiological changes, this contemplative experience will show you how important it is for your well-being to take time in nature daily!
Note: Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Bring a chair or yoga mat.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 9, 16, 23, 30
Tai Chi at Mounts Botanical Gardens (2 Classes)
$20 members; $25 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
- Class 1: Tai Chi Intermediate Class
9:15 am to 10:10 am
This class is for those who have learned the basic Sun Style Tai Chi Forms and wish to pursue advanced Sun Style Forms. Lessons will be multi-faceted, addressing not only the external execution of the Forms, but more importantly, deepening the internal dimensions of the Forms, such as: magnifying the Qi (Life Energy) and incorporating the Internal Principles of Tai Chi: Song (loosening), Jing (mental quietude), Chen (sinking of dan-tien), and Huo (agility) which are vital to one’s well-being and healing.
In addition, we will explore another Tai Chi Form, the Yang Style.
Note: Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and a loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.
- Class 2: Tai Chi Beginner Class
10:15 am to 11:15 am
This class is designed for those new to Tai Chi or those curious about Tai Chi. You will learn basic Tai Chi principles and moves, called Forms. The primary goal is to improve your overall health and well-being, the use of mindfulness and balance through the Forms are thought to open the doors to Health and Serenity. Tai Chi is excellent for those who want a gentle, but effective exercise.
Note: Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and a loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 10
Dogs’ Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $20 for nonmember adults; $18 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $13 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Note: Dogs are FREE for Mounts members and $5 for nonmembers.
This dog-and-family-friendly monthly event is held throughout the Garden. Bring your favorite pooch and enjoy a relaxed garden stroll. There are many great spots to capture family photos for posting online with #mountsbotanicalgarden.
Guidelines:
+ Non-retractable leashes only; retractable leashes are not permitted.
+ No more than one dog per adult will be admitted.
+ Rabies vaccination must be current.
+ Visitors should bring their own water and treats for the puppies.
For details, please visit:
November 10, 24
Awakening Hearts: A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience
with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
$30 for members; $40 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Upon arrival, participants will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from their day-to-day life. Then they will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to participate in our sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. The Cacao works to relax you, open your heart chakra, and help you to be receptive to the healing you will experience. Finally, you’ll relax into Yoga Nidra meditation and deep sound healing. You will be immersed in the healing energies of the gong, crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat or blanket, and do not drink alcohol on the day of the ceremony or consume caffeine three hours before and after the event.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November, 10
Backyard Food Forests: Getting Started & Practical Steps
with Jen Reelitz of Jupiter Farms
Sunday, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
$15 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Transform Your Yard into a Food Forest! In this informative session, participants will discoverthe essential steps to transform a yard into a flourishing food forest. We’ll explore the core principles and recommend the best plants for year-round food production in South Florida’s unique climate. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener looking to expand your expertise, this workshop will provide the practical knowledge and tools to create a sustainable food forest. Plus, Jen Reelitz will have her newly released book, Food Forest Revolution, available for purchase and signing.
Note: Cash Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App re accepted.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 16
Breaking the Barriers to Orchid Growing:
How to Keep an Orchid Collection Insect and Disease-Free
Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$10 members; $25 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Free for Members of The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches (proof of membership is shown on the day of the class). Please register at www.mounts.org to save your spot.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Mounts Botanical Garden and The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches present Potting Workshops the third Saturday of each month. Orchid Potting Workshops will be held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion just inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center. We cordially invite you to participate in our engaging and interactive workshops, led by esteemed members of the Board of The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches. The workshop will begin with an insightful discussion about the topic, followed by hands-on potting demonstrations, facilitated by our knowledgeable board members. Attendees are encouraged to bring potting and sanitizing materials, and up to two orchids to repot. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to enhance your potting skills and techniques. The potting sessions will wrap up with a friendly Q&A, to deepen your knowledge and ask questions.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 16
Desert Dish Garden Workshop
with Michael Spencer
Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$45 Members; $55 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Create Your Own Desert Dish Garden with Succulents and Cacti. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to design and create your very own Desert Dish Garden using a variety of beautiful and low-maintenance succulents and cacti. This class will guide you through the basics of succulent and cacti care, including planting techniques, soil selection, and proper watering practices, ensuring your Desert Dish thrives in any environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the world of plants, this class is perfect for anyone looking to bring a touch of nature into their home or office. At the end of the class, you’ll leave with a stunning, personalized Desert Dish garden and the knowledge to keep it healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Note: All materials, including plants, containers, and tools, will be provided.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 17
Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao & Sound Bath
with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being and explore the healing power of sound and intention amidst the transformative ambiance of our Full Moon Flower Release Ceremony. This serene gathering takes place in a beautifully adorned garden, filled with aromatic flowers and lush greenery. At Casa Rituals, our philosophy is centered on infusing mindful intention into the busy rhythms of modern life. We achieve this by creating a harmonious space that integrates sound healing and sacred rituals, fostering internal peace and alignment. Upon your arrival, a ceremonial smudging and blessing will be offered, creating a space to release the daily burdens. Following this, you’ll be presented with a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao leading this sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. The Cacao serves to relax, unlock the heart chakra, and make one more receptive to the forthcoming healing experience. Finally, visitors will gently transition into a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deep sound healing session. During this time, they will become fully immersed in the soothing and restorative energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Also, no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine three hours before and after the event.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
November 23
Ribbit the Exhibit II Grand Opening & Family Day
Saturday, 9 am to 4pm (last entry 3pm)
Be among the first to visit Ribbit the Exhibit II as it officially opens at Mounts Botanical Garden. The collection of 18 larger-than-life, whimsical frog sculptures will be displayed throughout the Garden, offering a playful and imaginative exploration of amphibians. These fun and quirky sculptures also create opportunities for engaging programming about real frogs and their essential role in our environment. Each piece is handcrafted and colored with natural patina by artist Andy Cobb. To celebrate the grand opening, there will be numerous activities celebrating the exhibit for visitors of all ages, including arts and crafts activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and more. Ribbit the Exhibit II will be open during Mounts Botanical’s regular Garden hours through May 25, 2025.
November 23
Story Time in the Garden
Saturdays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Free with Garden admission, but advance registration required to participate.
Join us for a magical morning at Mounts Botanical Garden with Story Time in the Garden, presented in partnership with the Junior League of the Palm Beaches. Held every fourth Saturday of the month through April 2025, this enchanting program is perfect for children under 7 years old. Enjoy a delightful book reading surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery, followed by a fun craft activity to spark creativity. It’s the perfect way to introduce young minds to the wonders of nature and stories. This program is free with Garden admission, but registration is required at least 5 days before each session, so be sure to secure your spot early. Bring your little ones, enjoy some fresh air, and watch their imaginations bloom.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-11/mounts.org
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org].
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.