+ Watercolor at the Garden – July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
+ Beginning Watercolor – July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
+ Palm Beach County Residents Day – July 3
+ Qi Gong – July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
+ Tai Chi – July 6, 13, 20, 27
+ The Birds & the Bees: Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden – July 11
+ Orchid Trilogy – July 13, 20, 27
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – July 14
+ Garden Explorers Summer Camp – July 15-19 & 22-26
+ Forest Bathing: Nature Therapy Immersion & Tea Ceremony – July 20, 28
+ Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao & Sound Bath –July 21
+ Awakening Hearts: A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience – July 28
(West Palm Beach, FL – June 17, 2024) With the hazy, crazy, lazy days of summer at hand, Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will host 31 fun, informative and healthy workshops and events throughout July.
“We continue to offer exciting and elevated programming every month, featuring both new and traditional events—all at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach,” invites Mounts Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Watercolor at the Garden
with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
$20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
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 or 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/month/2024-07
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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, focusing on 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 or 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/month/2024-07
July 3
Palm Beach County Residents Day
Wednesday, 9 am to 4 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.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Qi Gong
with Roxanne Cumberland
Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
$12 for members; $18 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; size of “inside” classes 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 but less structured.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/month/2024-07
July 6, 13, 20, 27
Tai Chi
with Josefina McMahon
Saturdays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
$20 members; $25 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Tai Chi offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals seeking a gentle yet impactful exercise routine. Tailored for newcomers and the curious alike, this class introduces the foundational principles and movements, known as Forms, of Tai Chi. With a focus on enhancing overall health and well-being, Tai Chi emphasizes mindfulness and balance. Engaging in the Forms is believed to pave the way to improved health and inner peace. Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/month/2024-07
July 7
New Moon Cacao Ceremony and Sound Immersion Experience
Sunday, 10 am to 12:00 pm
$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited. 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being and explore the healing power of the cacao under the shade of the Garden’s cacao tree. Upon arrival, a ceremonial smudging and blessing will be offered, creating a space to release the daily burdens that weigh upon you. Following this, attendees will be presented with a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao, taking part in our sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony while aligning with the new moon’s energies to set an intention for opening your heart to receive. The Cacao serves to relax, unlock your heart chakra, and make one more receptive to the forthcoming healing experience. Finally, gently transition into a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deep sound healing session. During this time, 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/month/2024-07
July 11
The Birds & the Bees: Create a Pollinator Friendly Garden
with Nada Vergili (pictured above)
Thursday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$25 members; $35 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Learn about the essential role pollinators play in our food supply and why it’s more important than ever for gardeners to include plants that can feed and support them. We’ll look at some Florida-friendly landscaping practices that will turn your backyard into a butterfly’s favorite hangout. Create a mini-ecosystem by adding grace and beauty to your property, and a Zen retreat for yourself and nature. Class includes a pollinator plant to take home and a tour of the Butterfly and Native Gardens, as well as a visit to Mounts Nursery.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/month/2024-07
July 13, 20, 27
Orchid Trilogy
Presented by Sandi Jones, Broward Orchid Supply
Saturdays, 10:30 am to 12:30 am (includes full Garden admission)
Trilogy Series: $120 members; $135 for nonmembers
Individual Class: $45 members; $50 nonmembers
Registration is required; Class size limited to 45 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
The popular Orchid Trilogy workshops are back in July. These are comprehensive guides and perfect classes to take for anyone growing orchids in South Florida.
++ July 13
Orchid Basics
Newcomers to orchids will learn how to choose the correct plants for their growing area and what orchids need to grow and flower. Sign up and start your orchid journey here! Plants and potting supplies will be available for sale from Broward Orchid Supply before and after class.
++ July 20
Orchid Repotting and Orchid Mounting techniques
Learn how to repot your orchid and how often your orchid should be repotted, learn about different kinds of potting media to use and the proper pot or basket to use. Also learn how orchids can be mounted on items such as cork, a tree fern or a branch. Plants and potting supplies will be available for sale from Broward Orchid Supply before and after class
++ July 27
Training Your Eye – Orchid Pests, Disease & Cures
Learn about pests and diseases that can affect your orchids. Bacteria, fungus and insects can all damage your orchids, discover how to spot them early and what to do if you find them. Students will be taught how to identify the culprits, what products to use to get rid of them and how to avoid them in the future. Orchids and Orchid leaves can be brought in for diagnosis but must be placed inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent contamination of other plants. Plants and potting supplies will be available for sale from Broward Orchid Supply before and after class.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/month/2024-07
July 14
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:
July 15 – 19 | July 22 – 26
Garden Explorers Summer Camp
Children ages 7 to 11can explore the amazing and science-based wonders of Mounts Botanical Garden. Camp activities take place both outside and inside. Campers will have access to a cool, safe, indoor space when needed due to excessive heat or the likeliness of rain. Attend one or both summer camp sessions. Each week will feature something new and different for the Garden Explorers to enjoy. Camp registration is limited to 30 participants each week.
++ CAMP HOURS: Monday through Friday; 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
++ CAMP FEES: $250 per week for Mounts members; $290 per week for non-members; $50 for optional extended care (covers 8:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm).
To register, please visit:
July 20, 28
Forest Bathing:
Nature Therapy Walks and Tea Ceremony
with Kathy Andio
+ Saturday, July 20, 9:15 am to 11:30 am
+ Sunday, July 28, 9:15 am to 11:30 am
$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 participants an opportunity to reset their outlook on life and have an encounter with nature in a way that they have never-before experienced. It is a sensory practice away from phones, computers, and social media and back to what the body yearns for—a connection with nature, a sense of peace, a sense of relaxation, and 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, attendees will be invited to slow down and reconnect with nature’s perfect balance using their senses to see the sunlight playing through the leaves, smell the flowers, and feel and hear the gentle wind whispering to return to one’s native roots and discover a deeper self. The 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 demonstrates how important it is for well-being to take time in nature on a daily basis.
Note: Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before start time and bring a chair or yoga mat.
To register, please visit:
July 21
Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao and Sound Bath
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 to30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being as we explore the healing power of the sound and your own intention and immerse yourself in the transformative power of nature during the Full Moon Flower Release Ceremony. This awe-inspiring gathering takes place in a tranquil garden, carefully adorned with aromatic flowers and lush greenery. The Casa Rituals philosophy is deeply rooted in helping to bring everyday mindful intention to the busy modern-day person. This is achieved by creating a deeper and more aligned space, working with the vibration of sound healing and sacred rituals for internal peace and harmony. Upon arrival attendees will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from day-to day life. Then they will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. The Cacao works to relax, open the heart chakra, and help be receptive to the healing one will experience.
We will continue with Release Ritual and learn how to release that no longer serves you with Intention and Grace and with power of Full Moon. Finally, participant will relax into Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which 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 and blanket. Also, no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine three hours before and after the event.
To register, please visit:
July 28
Awakening Hearts:
A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience
with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Under the guidance of instructors Marit Tuisk and David Lepp, participants will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing upon arrival to release the burdens of day-to-day life and will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. This will be followed by a Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which everyone 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:
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.