Phipps Conservatory
Trolls at Phipps, July 2021 (Phipps not responsible for opinions of trolls)
Beauty and Sparkle in Steel City
Plan Your Visit | Destinations | Natural Beauty
My love of botanical gardens started with Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA. Before my 2021 visits, I loved certain flowers, but I never thought I’d care about plants in general. Thanks to Phipps, I like them very much.
(As a matter of fact, the basil plant sitting on my counter is still thriving after a week. It came close to death once, but I revived it before real damage was done. Thanks for allowing me to share this small victory with you.)
Moving on…
Located at Schenley Park near the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Phipps Conservatory is one of the oldest conservatories in the United States. It was founded in 1893 by real estate developer Henry Phipps, Jr. as a gift to the City of Pittsburgh.
My first visit was during my 2021 Pandemic Road Trip. My friend in Pittsburgh suggested I escape the Texas summer heat; since we both had our COVID-19 vaccines by then, I was able to hang out at his house. Our outing to Phipps was a welcome way to get fresh air at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Trolls had taken over Phipps at that point as part of the 2021 Summer Flower Show, “The Hidden Life of Trolls.” Fun for kids (and big kids), it added whimsy and fun that lifted my spirits after a hard year. Phipps offers unique seasonal flower shows each year plus amazing holiday lights in the winter.
Yes, Phipps has flowers and plants. It has art, too. But Phipps turned me on to botanical gardens because of the peace I felt being there with the best of nature. After a year of being kicked in the brain for multiple reasons, that peace meant a lot to me. Now, when I really need to find peace, retreating to nature helps me calm my brain waves and get my life back to even.
You can do this from home. Enjoy the online tour for at-home exploration or visit historic shows dating back to 1897.
Phipps’ Green Innovation program is devoted to helping people understand the connection between plants and the health of the world. Their work is not limited to Phipps itself; the Green Innovation page also provides sustainability guidance for our homes, communities, and planet. Its Center for Sustainable Landscapes is still recognized as one of the greenest buildings in the world.
At the entrance, The Shop at Phipps offers Phipps souvenirs and nature-themed toys and books. The online selection does not compare to what you see in person. If you need sustenance, snacks and drinks are available at Café Phipps, but it is otherwise closed for renovations.
Phipps is the perfect venue for weddings, photo sessions, and other special events. It has a variety of beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces designed for small or large events.
Holiday Lights at Phipps
During our summer visit, my friend told me I needed to plan a future visit to Phipps in November to see the amazing holiday lights. A few months later, in November 2021, I returned to Pennsylvania after taking several weeks from work to disconnect and recover from a very tough year on the job.
Pittsburgh, like most other cities, welcomes each holiday season in grand style. If you visit Phipps Holiday Magic, make sure you are in Pittsburgh for Light Up Night, which kicks off the holiday season in Pittsburgh the Saturday night before Thanksgiving with downtown shopping, entertainment, and tree lightings.
Holiday Lights at Phipps Entrance, November 2021
Each year, the holiday light show has a different theme, but you can always count on maximum sparkle throughout, including the brilliantly lit entrance. Normally closed at 5 p.m. most days, Phipps extends its hours during the holidays so we can fully appreciate the lights at night. Phipps uses renewable electricity and energy-efficient LED lights to maintain its commitment to sustainability.
The 2021 Winter Flower Show and Light Garden we attended was spectacular! My favorite part was the Garden Railroad, a detailed, full-room model train display featured each year from October through February. The Garden Railroad recreates Pittsburgh landmarks and captures the beauty of Western Pennsylvania; like the holiday lights, the theme is different each year.
I love the holidays, and I never turn down a chance to visit a light display or holiday event. As much as I hate winter weather, I still think it would have been even nicer if there was snow on the ground, but for this visit, it was not meant to be. It was damn cold, though. Just bundle up and enjoy, anyway!
