August Events at Mounts Garden

Casa Rituals at Mounts (August 13, 20, 27)
(Photo Credit: Mounts Botanical Garden)

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – July 12, 2023) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 27 fun and informative workshops, classes, and special events throughout the month of August.
 
“August is the perfect month for people of all ages to come 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. “And be sure to check out our new life-size giraffe family of sculptures, made from recycled oil drums, wandering to different spots throughout the Garden. By the way, the baby giraffe now has a name, Zahara, which means to shine and flower—as beautiful as Mounts in full bloom and as radiant as the shining sun.”
 
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Watercolor at the Garden
With Carl Stoveland  
Mondays, 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 the instructor with assistance from the class.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/

---

August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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. Subjects will be chosen by the instructor with assistance from the class.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 3
FREE Tree Giveaway with Community Greening
Thursday, 10:00 am to Noon
In the Mounts entrance parking lot on Military Trail
Community Greening, an urban forestry non-profit based in Palm Beach County, is teaming up with corporate sponsor Meritage Homes and the Arbor Day Foundation to pass out 80 FREE native and fruit on a first-come, first-serve basis, one per household. No residency restrictions; open to everyone. Plus, those who receive a FREE tree will also enjoy FREE same-day admission to the Garden—a great opportunity to check out the unique Stickwork fort.
For details, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Qi Gong
with Roxanne Cumberland
Thursdays (in August only), 10:00 am to 11:00 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, and focused breathing—similar to Tai Chi but less structured.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 5
Year of the Orchid Event:
Mounts Botanical Garden & Tropical Orchid Society Present Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshops
With Mike Sands
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:15 am
FREE for members of West Palm Beach Orchid Society Members with proof of membership; $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 the last of three monthly Orchid Potting Workshops held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion located just inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center. This month’s topic is Native orchids of Florida. Students may bring one plant from home to repot during the workshop. Potting media, plastic pots, and orchids will be available for purchase.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 6
Cosmic Awareness:
Harnessing the Power of the Portal for Expansion
With Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10 am to Noon
$35 for members; $45 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, this transformative and empowering event will honor and harness the potent energies of the 8/8 portal—also known as the Lionsgate portal—which occurs every year on August 8th when the star Sirius aligns with the Earth and the Sun. This alignment creates a powerful influx of cosmic energy, opening a portal for spiritual growth, expansion, and manifestation. During this event at Mounts, attendees will come together in a sacred space to explore and embrace the energies of the 8/8 portal. The event will begin with an opening ceremony to set intentions and connect with the energies of the 8/8 portal. Participants will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony, 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:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 12
Palm Beach County Residents Day
Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry at 2 pm)
Palm Beach County residents receive reduced admission 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.
 
August 12
Year of the Orchid Event:
Managing an Overgrown Orchid
With Sandi Jones from Broward Orchid Society
Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
$40 members; $50 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; Class size limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable. 
This informative event will get to the root of how to handle an orchid that is growing out of its pot or starting to wilt.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 13
Dogs’ Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last entry at 2 pm)
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $15 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 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 all Dogs' Day rules, please visit www.mounts.org/dogs-day.
 
August 13, 20, 27
Awakening Hearts:
A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience
With Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to Noon
$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:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 19
KIDS (ages 4-12) Story Time:
Honeybees: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera & Art Activity
With April Krebs
Saturday, 9:30 am to 10:15 am
$5 for children ages 4-12 (includes full Garden admission).
Adults and non-participating children; regular admission rates apply; pay at entrance
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 children ages 4 – 12; classes are nonrefundable. 
In this reading of Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera, attendees will learn about the incredible lifestyle of honeybees and their importance to all life on earth. Mounts Special Projects Manager April Krebs will read the book and then lead an art project. Honey bees are super-important pollinators for flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Come celebrate World Honey Bee Day at Mounts, take a self-guided walk in the Garden after class, and look for pollinators.
Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult, adults and non-participating children please pay regular admission upon arrival.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 26
Care and Culture 101 for African Violets
With Joe Sammons
Saturday, 11:00 am to Noon
FREE for members; $5 for nonmembers (presentation only; Garden admission not included)
Registration is required; all classes are non-refundable; class size is limited to 45 adults.
African Violet hobbyist Joe Sammons will highlight varieties of the lovely, easy-to-grow houseplants that are perfect for apartments. Plants will be available for purchase following the informative lecture.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
August 26
The Sweet Life of Honey Bees and Honey Tasting
with Joanna Diamond
Saturday, 10:00 am to Noon
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; all classes are non-refundable; class size is limited to 25 adults.
Enter the enchanting and fascinating world of honey bees, discover little known but intriguing facts about them, and learn how you can help our tiny, humble, hardworking friends to help us. Find out what challenges they face, dispel myths, and find out why beekeeping is so mesmerizing. Under the direction of Beekeeper Joanna Diamond, delve into the incredible edible world of honey and explore other magical bee products. Meet charming little Orchid Bees and enjoy an in-depth honey tasting session. Organic honey will be available for purchase after class, as well as a few orchid bee feeders.
To register, please visit:
https://www.mounts.org/events/
 
Special Exhibition at Mounts Through 2023
Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork
Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry at 2 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.
Internationally acclaimed environmental artist Patrick Dougherty recently returned to Mounts to construct the final large-scale Stickwork installation 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 Botanical Garden 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 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]. ​