From Our Sponsor: Celebrate Spring at Phipps

Join us in celebrating rebirth and regrowth in Spring Flower Show: Enchanted Forest at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Witness birds, frogs, ducks and more critters awakening from their long winter snoozes and explore the tens of thousands of vibrant spring blooms that wash the glasshouse in color. The Conservatory is positively buzzing with new life and bursting with blooms, offering a treat for the senses and the perfect way to spend a spring day.

Set your heart aflutter in Palm Court as you witness the remarkable metamorphosis of a beautiful butterfly amidst pops of pink hyacinths and yellow primula. Sink to the forest floor in the Serpentine Room and wander beneath massive mushrooms. Marvel at vibrant azaleas, snapdragons and tulips, and meet a friendly snail, frog and turtle on the banks of a tranquil pond. Meander among a sea of blue, coral, red and pink spring blooms in the Sunken Garden as feathered friends chirp from their perches. Colorful sights and whimsical delights wait around every corner and in nine display rooms at Spring Flower Show!

Credit: Paul G. Wiegman

Spring blooms do not last the entire duration of the show, so Phipps horticulturists and volunteers go through the displays each morning to replace faded bulbs with new ones. This happens between two and four times per bulb throughout the four weeks. Over 71,000 bulbs are used in this show, including more than 3,600 hyacinths, 21,000 daffodils and 35,000 tulips – all to ensure that the garden looks amazing from opening day to the grand finale.

Guests can take a piece of Spring Flower Show home by buying bulbs that were used in the show at the Used Bulb Sale on Saturdays, April 1, 15 and 29 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., or while supplies last. Purchase two pots of bulbs for only $5! New this year, orchids are also available for purchase for $5 per plant on Saturdays, April 1 and 15. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to brighten up your garden with the beauty of Phipps!

Next month, celebrate Earth Day (Sat., April 22) at Pittsburgh’s green oasis as we welcome the return of Butterfly Forest! Featuring more than 20 species of butterflies, this perennial exhibit enchants visitors of all ages while showcasing the delicate lifecycle of some of nature’s most important pollinators and their favorite aromatic blooms.  Watch in wonder as hundreds of winged beauties emerge from their chrysalises to flutter through lush, tropical plant life. If you are lucky, a butterfly may even land on you!

Plus, just in time for Mother’s Day, stop by Phipps’ front lawn for a family-fun-filled day at May Market. Peruse goods from local garden clubs, nurseries, farms, Phipps horticulturists and other local vendors offering a wide selection of unique plants, gardening accessories, handmade jewelry, lawn décor and more. The bustling marketplace is open Fri., May 12 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sat., May 13 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

There is no better place to celebrate spring than at Phipps — plan your visit today!