Program Calendar

Wednesdays – February 1, 8, 15 & 22

Connecting with nature is essential to child development, sparking creativity and imagination – and winter is as fascinating as any other season for discovery in nature. Join Sarah Levinthal, Youth Educator, to talk about nature during the quiet season and then heading outdoors in search of adventure. Examine a different theme each week, from looking for animal tracks to searching for where other critters might be living. Each visit will include time in the Garden’s different habitats, a story reading and time for free play outdoors.

Join artist Cory Bonnet to learn the stories behind Patterns of Meaning. Since June 2021, Cory Bonnet has been reimagining a staggering collection of foundry patterns and blueprints dating from the late 1890’s to early 1900’s. Over time, he has enlisted a team of talented artists to create paintings and sculptures to display along with these pieces to amplify and honor the heritage of these materials and the stories they contain.

Read more about Patterns of Meaning >

This is a free, member-only program. Not a member? Click here to join today and enjoy members-only programs, discounted registrations, free admission, member newsletters, discounts, and more!

About the Artist

Cory Bonnet is a Pittsburgh oil painter and preservationist who paints contemporary nostalgic scenes of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area using salvaged and reclaimed materials. Bonnet earned a BFA in Drawing and a Minor in Art History from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1998. The importance of sustainable development was a huge catalyst in defining his work. The use of reclaimed materials and focus on conservation of historic buildings led Bonnet to earn the title of LEED AP from the USGBC. This gave him an in-depth understanding of sustainable building practices and reinforced his commitment to using salvaged, reclaimed or sustainable materials in his work.

Looking for a fun date night in a beautiful garden setting? Get in the mood for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday by learning all about love in the plant world while sipping delicious wine and eating yummy chocolate. Join Education & Exhibits Director, Dr. Mark Miller, as he examines the concept of plants of love. From plants that are considered aphrodisiacs to the classic plants we associate with love, learn the Victorian language of flowers and more!

Members $20  |  Nonmembers $25

About the Instructor

Dr. Mark Miller is the Education & Exhibits Director at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. He earned his Ph.D. in Environment & Natural Resources at The Ohio State University and has over 40 years experience working as a landscape designer, tree crop specialist, educator, and director at botanical institutions and associations around the country.

This event is 21+ only, non-alcoholic options will be available. Please be sure you have signed in to receive member registration discount.

Can you find all of the hearts in the Garden? During your visit, you may notice some unique heart-shaped additions to the gardens and woodlands. Stop by the Welcome Desk and pick up a clue sheet to see if you can find all 20 hearts hidden throughout the Garden!

The search begins February 10 at 9:00am and continues through February 19 at 5:00pm.

This activity is included with regular daily admission. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden members visit free! (Click here for information about membership)

This activity is suitable for all visitors. Explore the Garden and learn about the different areas as you seek out all 20 hidden hearts!

Calling all adult Pittsburgh Botanic Garden members and volunteers! Join us at the Garden for a book club to discuss works on the wondrous and sometimes wacky world of plants, nature and the environment. Read the book ahead of time and come ready to share your point of view. Selections will vary and discussions are sure to be lively! Mingle with fellow members, discuss interesting ideas and form new friendships.

Become A Member

Free to members and volunteers, but pre-registration is required.

February Selection:

The Plant Hunter – A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines

by Cassandra Leah Quave

A leading medical ethnobotanist tells us her story in this uplifting and adventure-filled memoir that illuminates how the path forward for medical discovery may be found in nature’s oldest remedies.

“In The Plant Hunter, Dr. Quave weaves together science, botany, and memoir to recount her own journey, which has taken her from the forests of the remote Amazon to isolated mountaintops in Albania in search of natural compounds, long known to traditional healers, that could help save us all from this looming crisis. Her extraordinary story is filled with grit, tragedy, triumph, and awe.” – Harvard

Read more on cassandraquave.com >

This program is suitable for members and volunteers over age 18. Please sign in to register for free.

Empower yourself this Valentine’s Day by making your own floral arrangement! Join floral instructor JoAnna Thomas in creating a flair of floral beauty that you can be proud of. Craft an arrangement that is just right for you with lush and romantic seasonal blooms while enjoying a glass of wine with friends. You don’t need to bring anything – flowers, vase and necessary supplies will be provided.

Members $55 | Nonmembers $65

About the Instructors

JoAnna Thomas is the Visitor Experience Coordinator at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. With a background in fine art & design, she began working as a florist in Chicago, where she managed her own floral shop. JoAnna has designed for many private events and special occasions, including her role as the principal designer for Blossom – Autumn Magic at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

This program is suitable for adults over age 21. Please be sure you have signed in to receive member registration discount.

Wednesdays – February 1, 8, 15 & 22

Connecting with nature is essential to child development, sparking creativity and imagination – and winter is as fascinating as any other season for discovery in nature. Join Sarah Levinthal, Youth Educator, to talk about nature during the quiet season and then heading outdoors in search of adventure. Examine a different theme each week, from looking for animal tracks to searching for where other critters might be living. Each visit will include time in the Garden’s different habitats, a story reading and time for free play outdoors.

Community Acupuncture is a means to provide affordable acupuncture, in terms of both money and time. Join Kayla Simmons (OMP) for community acupuncture sessions every other Saturday at the Garden. Sessions will take place between 10:00am – 12:00pm. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine solid filament needles into specific points of the body to treat various ailments. Now, you can experience relief and relaxation all at once at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden!

Members $30 | Nonmembers $40  (Please sign in to receive member discount)

About the Instructor

Kayla Simmons is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, massage therapist, and yoga instructor who uses a blend of these modalities in each treatment. She has been working with and studying the various human body systems for the last ten years with an emphasis on understanding how to bridge the mental, emotional, and physical bodies. Her passion lies in teaching her patients to understand their holistic self and make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Kayla began her journey in the healthcare field at the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy ten years ago. In 2014, she completed her 200-hour Hatha yoga training with the Himalayan Institute and then immediately began a four-year graduate program in Asheville, NC to achieve her Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Process

After a short intake, you will relax in a zero-gravity chair while Kayla places needles in the ear, hands, or other easily accessible areas of the body. Sessions will last for 30 minutes. There will be 2-3 other sessions ongoing while you are relaxing.

Questions / Concerns

Feel free to contact Kayla Simmons beforehand with any questions or concerns at kayla@nourishandmovepgh.com or text (412) 206-9837. Read more about Nourish & Move Pittsburgh on nourishandmovepgh.com >

Please be sure to specify your appointment time and arrive at least 5 minutes early for your appointment to maintain proper scheduling. Only 1 person per 30-minute time slot, max of 3 people in the room at any time.

Wednesdays – February 1, 8, 15 & 22

Connecting with nature is essential to child development, sparking creativity and imagination – and winter is as fascinating as any other season for discovery in nature. Join Sarah Levinthal, Youth Educator, to talk about nature during the quiet season and then heading outdoors in search of adventure. Examine a different theme each week, from looking for animal tracks to searching for where other critters might be living. Each visit will include time in the Garden’s different habitats, a story reading and time for free play outdoors.

Join Doug Oster from Gardening with Doug, and Dr. Mark Miller, Education & Exhibits Director, for a walk through the gardens and woodlands of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden to view and learn about the wondrous plants found here! There will be copious amounts of witty banter and plant nerdy conversations, this time focused on plants with winter interest. The tour will be followed by a delicious lunch featuring fresh, seasonal produce.

Mark and Doug will also present a comprehensive seed starting seminar, “Tips & Tricks to Start from Seed Now.” Each participant will receive a packet of ‘3945’ tomato seeds. This variety was found on a WWII battlefield by a Pittsburgher and has been successfully grown locally for 70 years.

Members $45  |  Nonmembers $55

About the Instructor

Doug Oster is a writer, radio and television host, and Emmy-winning producer. He currently hosts The Organic Gardener Radio Show every Sunday morning at 7am on KDKA Radio, and writes feature articles for Pittsburgh Earth Day’s Green Voice e-newsletter.

Dr. Mark Miller is the Education & Exhibits Director at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. He earned his Ph.D. in Environment & Natural Resources at The Ohio State University and has over 40 years experience working as a landscape designer, tree crop specialist, educator, and director at botanical institutions and associations around the country.

Please be sure you have signed in to receive member registration discount.