(West Palm Beach, FL – April 14, 2023) Beautiful, balmy Spring is blessedly abloom, so Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 33fun-in-the-sun workshops, classes, and special events throughout the month of May.
“This is the perfect time for people of all ages tocome out and enjoy many of the happy and healthy horticultural events at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach,” invites Mounts Curator-Director Rochelle Wolberg.
May 2, 5, 13
Forest Bathing: Nature Therapy Walks & Tea Ceremony
With Kathy Andio
10 am to 11:30 am
$20 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
Take time to slow down, tune into your senses, and become a human “be” ing instead of a human “do” ing in this transformational nature walk inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of “forest bathing.” Although no actual bathingoccurs, the term is used because nature emits a substance that “bathes” you as you walk. This substance has health benefits that lowers blood pressure, decreases stress and depression, and improves sleep. Led by certified Nature Therapy Guide Kathy Andio, this slow, meditative walk is about cultivating the practice of stillness and mindfulness, as we quiet our minds and are in the present moment surrounded by nature. We don’t travel far on the walk—as it’s all about the journey, not the distance covered. The experience ends with a tea ceremony using our special Mounts Botanical Garden Tea from Cottage Garden Tea Company. Come and treat yourself to this life-changing practice. Bring a yoga mat or an easy-to-carry beach chair. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 2, 16, 23, 30
Watercolor at the Garden
With Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 10 am to Noon
$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 beginners should consider the Thursday beginners class. Begin each class with a Nature Walk through the Garden led by Stoveland. The purpose of the walk is to inspire participants and give them an opportunity to capture photos with their phone or tablet along the way. The group will then move indoors, where the instructor will start with a quick demo topic then assist students in choosing a subject and getting started on a watercolor.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 2, 16, 23, 30
Beginner Watercolor
with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
$20 for members; $25 fornonmembers (includes full Gardenadmission). 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. Start with 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. Begin each class with a Nature Walk through the Garden led by the artist. The purpose of the walk is to inspire and give participants an opportunity to capture photos with their phone or tablet along the way. The group will then move indoors, where theinstructor will start with a quick demo topic then assist people in choosing a subject and getting started on his/her watercolors. 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).
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Qi Gong
with Roxanne Cumberland
Wednesdays, 10 am to 11 am
$10 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, andfocused breathing—similar to Tai Chi but less structured.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 3, 10, 24
Wednesday Member’s Only Morning Walks
with April Krebs
Wednesdays, 8:30 am to 9:30 am
$5 for members.
Registration is required; all classes are non-refundable; tour size is limited to 15 adults.
Join us on these early morning Garden walks to reconnect and recharge with nature. Walk for fitness and for fun, stopping along the way to enjoy the early morning quiet. Experience the beauty of the Garden before the crowds arrive.Mounts Special Projects Manager and gardenlover April Krebs will have a different subject to focus on each week noting the various horticultural changes.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 15, 12, 19, 26
Beginners Tai Chi
with Josefina McMahon
Fridays, 10 am to 10:45 am
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.
This introductory class is excellent for “newbies”to Tai Chi as participants learn about basic principles and moves (called Forms). The primary goal is improving over-all health and well-being.
Note: 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/2023-5/mounts.org
May 15, 12, 19, 26
Advanced Tai Chi
with Josefina McMahon
Fridays, 10:45 am to 11:30 am
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.
For those who have already taken Beginners Tai Chi at Mounts and would like to learn more sophisticated moves (Forms) to further deepen and enjoy Tai Chi Forms that are a bit more challenging. Balance and mindfulness of participants will further improve and both outer and inner perceptions will experience delight.
Note: 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/2023-5/mounts.org
May 6
Tropical Spinach and Tasty Greens
With Mel Corichi
Saturday, 10 am to 11:30 pm
$20 members; $25 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults.
Tropical spinaches include Malabar, Okinawa, Longevity spinach, and more. These easy to grow greens are not only tasty but can also be used as ornamentals. Just two plants can produce enough leaves for a small family and can be harvested almost all year round. Instructor Mel Corichi will share tips on how to plant, grow, and propagate all kinds of tropical spinach plants and other greens. Leafy greens such as Katuk, moringa, sweet potato vine and more will be available for tasting. Pots, soil, cuttings, starts, and seeds will be given to all participants. Plants will be available for purchase after class.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5
Year of the Orchid Event:
Mounts Botanical Garden & Tropical Orchid Society Present Orchids are for EveryonePotting Workshops
With Mike Sands
Saturday, 10 am to 11:15 am
FREE for members of West Palm Beach Orchid Society Members with proof ofmembership; $10 for Mounts members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited 30 adults.
Mike Sands, president of the Tropical Orchid Society, will instruct these monthly Orchid Potting Workshops will be held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion located just inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center, the first Saturday of every month throughout the summer.Topics will include Care and Culture of Orchids for Beginners (May 6), Mounting and Dividing, (June 3), Pests and Diseases (July 1), and Native orchids of Florida (August 5). Students may bring one plant from home to repot during the workshop. Potting media, plastic pots, and orchidswill be available for purchase.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS WEEK (May 12-21)
May 13
Palm Beach County Residents Day
Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
Palm Beach County residents receive reducedadmission of $5 per person (children 17 and under FREE) on the second Saturday of each month. Visitors must show proof of residency for reduced-fee entry. The $5 admission will go directly to support children’s programming at Mounts Botanical Garden.
Note: Admission for non-residents is $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for ages 6-17.
May 13
My Secret Garden: A Make–and–Take Terrarium Class
With Michael Spencer
Saturday, 10:00 am to Noon
$60 Members; $75 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults.
If you have ever wanted to make a terrarium before, now is the chance. Participants will be provided with step-by-step instructions throughout the process. Under the direction of Bonsai expert Michael Spencer, this workshop is perfect for everyone, whether you live in a large home or a compact apartment. All participants will be able to leave this workshop with their own container garden and develop a more intimate relationship with nature. Students will be given all the supplies, including the container, necessary to create their own miniature tropical landscape.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 13
Jungle Landscape
With Nada Vergili
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
$15 Members; $30 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults.
Learn how to create the “tropical forest” look in your home or backyard from Mounts instructor and garden designer Nada Vergili. Participantswill explore some stunning big-leaf plants that are Florida-friendly and will instantly add a touch of the tropics to any space. From classic Monstera and Philodendrons to lesser-known and underutilized plants that can instantly transform ayard into a lush green jungle without breaking the budget. The second part of the class will include a walk through some areas of the garden, so please wear comfortable footwear, and bring a bottle of water and sunscreen.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 14
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; $15 for seniors65+, college students, and military with ID; $7for children 6–17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
This dog-and-family-friendly monthly event is held throughout the Garden. Bring your favorite poochand enjoy a relaxed garden stroll. There are manygreat spots to capture family photos for postingonline 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 all Dogs’ Day rules, please visit www.mounts.org/dogs-day.
May 14, 21
Yoga Nidra Mediation + Intention Setting + Sound Healing
with Casa Rituals
Sundays, 10 am to 11:30 am
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers(includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limitedto 30 adults.
Upon arrival participants will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from day-to day life. They will then beguided to set their Intention at Flower Mandalabefore relaxing into Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which they will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments. Sound healing and yoga Nidra help participants get more in touch with the internal self and bring about a state of relaxation while becoming clearer and more focused. Under the direction of Marit Tuisk and David Lepp, this practice guides people into a deep, sleep-likestate that can restore both body and mind. And by doing so, they will feel everything slowdown,which instantly reduces the physical effects of stress. Experts say practicing Yoga Nidra for 45 minutes is like getting an extra three hours of sleep. Please bring a yoga mat and blanket.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Also, please 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/2023-5/mounts.org
May 16
Meet the Horticulturist
with Joel Crippen
Tuesday, 10 am to 11:30 am
$10 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Come celebrate National Public Gardens Week and walk in the Garden with Joel Crippen, theDisplay Gardens Horticulturist at Mounts. An expert on plant care with an extensive knowledge in every aspect of horticulture and design, Crippen teaches portions of the Master Gardener program for the Palm Beach County Extension Service and is a former horticultural columnist for The Palm Beach Post. Don’t miss this special opportunity to see the Garden with one of the Garden’s top plant experts.
Note: Please wear comfortable footwear, bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and your plant questions.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-5/mounts.org
May 20
Butterflies and Bees: Create a Pollinator Friendly Garden
With Nada Vergili
Saturday, 10:00 am to Noon
$25 Members; $35 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults; all classes are nonrefundable.
Join Nada Vergili, whose own garden is certified by the North American Butterfly Association, as she teaches about the essential role pollinatorsplay in our food supply and why it’s more important than ever for gardeners to include plants that feed and support them. We’ll look at some Florida-friendly landscaping practices that will turn any backyard into a favorite hangout for butterflies. Create a pollinator friendly ecosystem that will add grace and beauty to your property and will become a Zen retreat for you and your resident butterflies. A tour of our spectacular butterfly garden will be included, giving participants the ability to become acquainted with these plants. Plants will be available for sale at the Mounts Nursery after the class.
Note: As a special bonus, attendees can stay after class and join the Atala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association to learn about the annual 4th of July Butterfly Count 2023.
May 20
On Your Marks! Get Ready for 2023 Butterfly Counts
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Mounts Auditorium
Free and open to the public; no registration required.
“On Your Marks! Get Ready for 2023 Butterfly Counts” by Alana Edwards and Teri Jabour. Learn about the butterflies we see in Palm Beach County. The North American Butterfly Association’s (NABA) annual 4th of July Butterfly Count is an important citizen science project to collect data about local butterfly species. The Atala Chapter has been doing butterfly counts in Palm Beach and Martin County since 1995. Chapter members will share their tips on how to identify local butterflies that we see in natural areas and in our yards. Being able to recognize the most common – and uncommon – butterflies will increase your enjoyment of butterfly watching and is an important part of this annual butterfly monitoring project. This program is for everyone—not just counters.
Special Exhibition at Mounts Through 2023
Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork
Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 am to 4 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors65+, college students, and military with ID; $7for children 6–17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Internationally acclaimed environmental artist Patrick Dougherty recently returned to Mounts toconstruct the final large-scale Stickworkinstallation of his illustrious art career using 30,000 pounds of live willow branches.
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts BotanicalGarden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Recently 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 theirvisit 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 BeachCounty’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis willsee an acclaimed collection of 25 unique gardenareas 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 MountsBotanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, theTourist Development Council, and the CulturalCouncil for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanicalis located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.