+ Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! – Through May 1
+ Qi Gong – February 2, 9, 16, 23
+ Stretch, Walk and Talk – February 2, 9, 16, 23
+ Gentle Body Movement – February 3, 10, 17, 24
+Botanical Photography: Flower & Foliage Workshop– February 5, 12
+ Kids ‘N Nature Tour – February 6
+ Nature Journaling – February 6
+ Kids Nature POP! Color Tour – February 10, 24
+ Kids Moai Tour & Project – February 11, 18, 25
+ Romancing the Garden – February 12
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – February 13
+ Meet the Horticulturist: Native Plants Tour – February 18
+ Winter Plant Sale, February 19-20
+ Reiki Healing: Sound Bowls Meditation Class – February 19
+ Hatha Yoga – February 20
+ Newcomers Guide to Gardening in Florida – February 26
+ Love Begins with You and the Garden – February 27
(West Palm Beach, FL – January 17, 2022) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 30 fun, healthy and educational open-air events in February, from the always popular Winter Plant Sale to the fabulous, family-friendly and LEGO®-licious exhibition Sean Kenney’s Nature POP!
“Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden is inviting garden enthusiasts, plant lovers, and proud ‘green-thumbers’ of all ages to come out and enjoy some of our many safe, informative and happy horticultural activities throughout February,” says Curator-Director Rochelle Wolberg. “And everybody with a determination to ‘get healthier’ will find a series of events to nurture both the body and soul.”
Through May 1
Sean Kenney’s Nature POP!
Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm (last entry at 3 p.m.)
$15 adults; $12 seniors 65+, college students and military with ID; $7 ages 6-17; FREE for MBG members and children under 6. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Tickets available for purchase at www.mounts.org or at the gate.
Reconnect with your Inner Child. This new exhibition from acclaimed artist Sean Kenney made its Florida premiere at Mounts. It features over 40 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGO® pieces and explores the beauty of nature through highly stylized, colorful displays that stand in striking contrast with their surroundings. Produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Nature POP! blends art, science, and innovation in the display of these sculptures.
February 2, 9, 16, 23
Qi Gong Classes
Wednesdays, 10 am to 11 am
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults.
Relieve stress and increase metabolism, flexibility, and strength. Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique. The exercises include simple, slow movements (which mimic nature), meditation, and focused breathing—similar to Tai Chi. Classes will be inside, led by Roxanne Cumberland.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/
February 2, 9, 16, 23
Stretch, Walk and Talk
Wednesdays, 8:30 am to 9:30 am
$5 for Members; $15 for Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; tour size is limited to 15 adults
Come early to enjoy the quietness of the morning while reconnecting and recharging with nature. Walk for fitness and for fun, stopping along the way to admire plants and for a stretch or two. Experience the beauty of the Garden and note the changes each week. Led by April Krebs.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/.
February 3, 10, 17, 24
Gentle Body Movement
Thursdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
$14 for Members; $20 for Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; tour size is limited to 20 adults.
Certified fitness/yoga instructor Hegina Rodrigues leads this series of classes designed for all abilities. Gentle movements help to increase energy, improve balance, and strengthen muscles. Focusing on breath while moving creates a kind of moving meditation that promotes relaxation, improves mood and confidence. Instructor will be using chair and hand weights (optional) but also doing standing balancing poses with the use of the chair and wall (if you choose to stand). This class does not require the use of a mat and will be held outdoors—or indoors in case of rain or excessive heat.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 5, 12
Botanical Photography: Flower & Foliage Workshop
Saturday, 9 am to 11 am
$42 for members; $60 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.
Turn your flower photos from “blah” to “ahhh” in this two-part workshop, led by professional photographer Jerry Ginsberg. Botanical photography is one of the most popular subjects for camera enthusiasts, and learning how to choose your composition, your lens, and how to find the right light, makes this art even more fun. Learn the key concepts of nature photography as well as camera techniques. Participants are encouraged bring a pad or tablet for note-taking, sun hat, water, camera, tripod, cable release or switch, zoom lens, and macro lens or close-up attachments if possible.
** Session I (February 5): Classroom instruction will consist of a narrated slide show, which highlights key concepts in nature photography; includes handouts and a brief period for Q&A. The remainder of Session I will be in the garden, practicing your techniques.
** Session II (February 12): The focus will be on flowers and foliage along the walkways throughout the gardens. Space is limited so Jerry can spend individual time with each photographer during the class.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
Wednesday, February 6
Kids ‘N Nature Tour
Sunday, 10 am to 11:30
$7 for MBG member youth (ages 6-17); $10 for nonmember youth (ages 6-17); free for children ages 0-5. (includes full Garden admission)
Adults accompanying youth can receive up to 2 free tickets.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
All attendees are required to register. Tour size is limited to 20.
Treat your kids to a Creative Nature Tour with Professor Screech. As the world’s most “Official Expert,” the Professor will take us on a special journey through the natural world inside the Garden, inspired by Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! exhibit, featuring sculptures created with 800,000 LEGO® bricks. Learn fun facts about the Garden’s insects, animals, and plants, and create your own nature sculpture using natural and repurposed materials. This tour is designed for youth ages 8 to 13, but all ages are welcome.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 6
Nature Journaling
Sunday, 1 pm to 2:30 pm
$14 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 Adults
Nature Journaling is the act of recording your experiences on this planet: your observations, perceptions, questions, facts, and phenomena. It is citizen science, it is art, it is creative, therapeutic, and fun. This workshop will be led byAutumn Kioti. Materials are provided, participants should feel free to bring their own journal and media.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 10, 24
Kids Nature POP! Color Tour
Thursdays, 11 am to 12:30 pm
$7 for MBG member youth (ages 6-17); $10 for nonmember youth (ages 6-17); free for children ages 0-5. (includes full Garden admission)
Adults accompanying youth can receive up to 2 free tickets.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
All attendees are required to register. Tour size is limited to 20 people
Join us for this fun, guided tour of Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! exhibit, featuring 40+ sculptures made with 800,000 LEGO® bricks. Learn how animals use color in their everyday lives and how color affects humans too. Create a colorful art project to take home. The tour and art project will be led by local artist Hegina Rodrigues.
For tickets, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 11, 18, 25
Kids Moai Tour & Project
Fridays, 10 am to 11:30 am
$10 members ages 6-17; $12 nonmembers ages 6-17; free for ages 0-5
Adults accompanying youth can receive up to 2 free tickets.
Children under age 8 must be accompanied an adult.
All attendees are required to register; tour size is limited to 20 people
Appropriate for all ages, this fun, guided tour of the new Moai at Mounts exhibit will explain how artist Dennis MacDonald created the three massive moai replica sculptures as a tribute to the Rapa Nui culture and will explore the history of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the ingenious methods the Rapa Nui people developed to grow food and live on an island while conserving limited resources. Kids will be able to create their own sculpture, using recycled materials. Fee includes project materials and a book on the moai of Rapa Nui.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 12
Romancing the Garden
Saturday, 11 am to 12:30 pm
$10 members; $18 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; tour size is limited to 15 adults.
Take your love bug on a tour that will delight your senses and immerse you in a world of beauty. You and your Valentine will be guided through the gardens by MBG docent Nada Vergili, who will introduce you to some fun stories, legends, and cultural uses of plants from around the world in the realm of sensuality and love. From flower symbolism to aphrodisiacs, plants have been a doorway to romance for thousands of years. Sample some strawberry/lavender scones and some refreshing herbal iced tea.
For tickets, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 13
Dogs’ Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
This dog-and-family-friendly monthly event is held throughout the Garden. Bring your beloved pooch to 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 and water treats for the puppies.
+ For all Dogs’ Day rules, please visit www.mounts.org/dogs-day.
February 18
Meet the Horticulturist: Native Plants Tour
Friday, 9:30 am to 11 am
$10 for members; $18 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; tour is limited to 20 adults
Horticulturist Joshua Spall will lead a special tour of Florida native plants located throughout the Garden. Learn the value of using native plants in the landscape and why it’s important to our environment.
For tickets, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 19-20
Winter Plant Sale
+ Saturday, 9 a, to 4 pm
+ Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm
FREE for Mounts members and children 5 and under; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, active military, and college students with ID; $7 for ages, 6-17
+ Tickets available at www.mounts.org
Reconnect with Gardening and POP some color into your landscape. The Mounts Winter Plant Sale returns with an estimated 35 vendors in select Garden areas. This smaller plant sale will offer a great selection of plants, shrubs, trees, and garden accessories. Visitors can stroll and shop in a relaxed environment and also enjoy Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! featuring 40+ sculptures, created from LEGO® bricks, on display throughout the Garden. The Mounts Botanical Nursery and Garden Thrift Shop will be open with a variety of colorful plants and unique treasures for the home and garden.
February 19
Reiki Healing – Sound Bowls Meditation Class
Saturday, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
$15 for members; $20 for nonmembers
Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults.
This wildly popular class is back. Reiki is a powerful healing tool that helps release tension and stress so you can connect with your higher self. Soothing, pure sounds help us connect to the present moment so we can relax and center ourselves. During this class you will be guided through a meditation, a Reiki practice, and sound healing. You will leave feeling harmonized and refreshed. Certified Meditation Teacher and Sound Healer Jessica Prestia will lead this class. Class will be held in the Exhibit Hall or on a shady lawn, weather permitting. Bring water, yoga mat, and/or towel.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 20
Hatha Yoga
Saturday 10 am to 11 am
$15 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults.
This invigorating class is designed to encourage students to strengthen their bodies and cultivate the quieting of the mind and senses. Traditional postures are practiced while emphasizing alignment, core strength, flexibility, balance as well as breath control. Class concludes with a silent or guided meditation. Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher Heather Bergwill instruct. Class is open to all levels and will be held in the Exhibit Hall. Wear comfortable clothes, bring water, yoga mat, and a towel or small pillow to support neck or back.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 26
A Newcomer’s Guide to Gardening in Florida—No More Fear!
Saturday, 11 am to 12:30 pm
$10 for members; $18 for nonmembers
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
If you recently moved to South Florida from a northern state, you may have noticed that things are “just a tad bit” different down here. While we love being so close to the tropics, growing plants in a place that seemingly hosts just about every bug known to man, only has two main seasons (i.e. “hot” and “hotter”), and sandy soil that absorbs water faster than aShamwow, might present challenges even for an expert gardener. Learn which types of plants thrive in this climate, how to improve your soil quality, plants that are ideal for sun/shade or a little bit of both, and some attractive alternatives to what you’re used to seeing up north. Conquer your fears and let’s do gardening the South Florida way. Class will be led by Nada Vergili.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
February 27
Love Begins with You and the Garden
Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm
Member Prices: $40 Family Ticket (good for 2 adults/2 kids); $20 for individual adult tickets; $3.50 for ages 6-17; free for children under 6.
Nonmember prices: $50 Family Ticket (good for 2 adults/2 kids); $30 for individual adult tickets; $5 for ages 6-17; free for children under 6.
Show yourself and your family members some love with this health and wellness day of adult and kid-friendly activities and classes. Enjoy some SoFlo Snow (bubbles), Latin jam dance, and live music with drums, viola, and sound bowls. Activities and classes include Leaf Printing, Nature Wands, Nature Journaling, Flow Art Hoops, Reiki & Sound Healing, Gentle Yoga & Meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Yoga Nidra & Buteyko Breathing. The MBG Nursery will be open from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, and master gardeners will be available for questions. Come learn about cultivating native and medicinal plants and how to grow them for your health and wellness goals. Plants will be available for sale during that time.
This event is co-produced by Real Connections. Participating teachers and artists include Jess Pfeffer, April Krebs, Jess Prestia, Hegina Rodrigues, Casandra Tanenbaum, Roxanne Cumberland, Josefina McMahon, Autumn Kioti, Heather Berg, Anna Nunes, and Marijah.
For tickets, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-02/
Also available to visit in February 2022:
Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden
Located in the Tropical Forest Garden
Bringing the awe and wonder of Easter Island to West Palm Beach is this new permanent installation of three imposing moai statues, replicas of the iconic monolithic, human figures located on Rapa Nui, Chile. Designed by artist Dennis MacDonald with great attention to authenticity and detail, each of the statues is made of solid, reinforced, poured concrete and has been stained to create a weathered appearance. The larger moai stands 20 feet tall and wears a “hat” known as pukao, two additional pukao rest on the ground.
The Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden installation is included with Garden admission:
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
+ Tickets available for purchase at the gate.
Garden hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm.
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 16-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 5,000 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.
(Photos courtesy of Mounts Botanical Garden)
