Get Plant Savy at Mounts in October

​October is Native Plant Month and Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting more than two dozen different horticultural classes and healthy activities, including a super-fun and very special Dogs' Day Howl-O-Ween & Costume Contest on October 27. To register, please visit: https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-10/mounts.org

"Celebrating the autumnal season in all of its verdant glory, we continue to offer exciting and elevated programming of both new and traditional events at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach," invites Mounts Interim Director Misty Stoller. "The cooler days of October are also the perfect time to check out our new family of seven awesome life-sized metal animals, including three giraffes, two elephants, and both a hippo and a lion."

Mounts Botanical Garden is now open to the Public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with last entry at 2 p.m.), and as of October 1 regular admission rate returns to $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $13 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members.

October 1, 15, 22, 29
Watercolor at the Garden with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. 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, 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 instructor with assistance from class.

October 1, 15, 22, 29
Beginner Watercolor with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
$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, including 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, 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.

October 2
Palm Beach County Residents Day
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)

Palm Beach County residents receive FREE admission to the Garden on the first Wednesday of every month. Visitors must show proof of residency for entry. Admission for non-residents: $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students, and military with ID; $13 for ages 6-17; free for children under age 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members.

October 5
Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop: Bulbophyllum Orchids
Presented by Mounts Botanical Garden & Tropical Orchid Society
Saturday, 10 to 11:15 a.m.
$10 Members $25 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).

FREE for Members of West Palm Beach Orchid Society with proof of membership

Registration is required for everyone attending; class size is limited to 35 adults; classes are nonrefundable.

Held in the Mounts Garden Pavilion next to the Welcome Center, the interactive workshop will be conducted by board members of the Tropical Orchid Society. This month's topic: Bulbophyllum Orchids. There will be a brief review of the orchid's characteristics with specific growing advice, followed by hands-on repotting demonstrations and Q&A. Attendees may bring one orchid in need of repotting, plus their preferred media and pot or mount.

October 5, 12, 19, 26
Tai Chi with Josefina McMahon
Saturdays, 10 to 11 a.m.
$25 members; $30 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).

Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.

Tai Chi offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals seeking a gentle yet impactful exercise routine. Tailored for newcomers and the curious alike, this class introduces foundational principles and movements, known as Forms, of Tai Chi. With a focus on enhancing overall health and well-being, Tai Chi emphasizes mindfulness and balance. Engaging in the Forms is believed to pave the way to improved health and inner peace. Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.

October 6
Heart Opening Cacao Ceremony with Flower Mandala and Sound Immersion Experience
Sunday, 10 a.m. 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.

Join us in the serene Herb Garden of Well-Being for a transformative experience centered on the healing power of cacao. Under the gentle shade of the cacao tree, we will begin with a ceremonial smudging and blessing to help you release the burdens of daily life. Next, you'll savor a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao as part of our sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. This ritual is designed to harmonize with the post-eclipse energies, setting a powerful intention for opening your heart and enhancing receptivity. The cacao will relax you, activate your heart chakra, and prepare you for a profound healing journey. The experience will culminate with a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deeply therapeutic sound healing session. You will be enveloped in the soothing vibrations of the Gong, Crystal Singing Bowls, and other high-frequency instruments, allowing you to absorb and benefit from their transformative energies.

Note: Bring your yoga mat and blanket. Please no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and no caffeine three hours before and after the event.

October 12 - Native Plant Class
Plant This, Not That: A Native Plant Introduction with Ryan Levengood
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$15 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission); free for Native Plant Society members (must show proof of membership at class).

Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable.

In this talk, you will learn the benefits of Florida native plants and ideas for replacing some common landscape plants with visually similar native species. A beautiful garden can be created to please people, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Tour included. When Ryan Leavengood bought his first home many years ago he knew very little about the plants that made up his yard. After years of frustration with mowing a weedy lawn he learned about native plants as an alternative to the typical landscape, and he was hooked. Over several years he and his wife transformed their small suburban yard into a native plant sanctuary with constant butterfly and bird activity. His garden was featured in the native plant yard tour a few years ago, but he has since moved and is starting over in a new landscape. He is also one of the Native Plant Society Volunteers who tends the Mount's Native Plant Garden!

October 12
Palm & Cycad Sale
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)
Admission is FREE for members of both Mounts Botanical Garden and the Palm Beach Palm & Cycad Society. For nonmembers, admission is $20 (adults); $18 (seniors 65+, college students and military with ID); $13 (ages 6-17); free for children under 6. Purchase tickets at the gate.

Join the Palm Beach Palm & Cycad Society for their annual fall sale. Talk to the experts and choose from a wide variety of palms and rare cycads as over 500 will be available for purchase. You can also buy a limited supply of top-rated fertilizer and palm and cycad reference books. The Palm Beach Palm & Cycad Society typically meets the first Wednesday of the month at Mounts Botanical Garden. There are monthly garden tours, palm and cycad talks, and other fun events.

October 13
Dogs' Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9 .am. to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $20 for nonmember adults; $18 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $13 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.

Note: Dogs are FREE for Mounts members and $5 for nonmembers.

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.

October 13, 27
Awakening Hearts: A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
$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.

October 19
Breaking the Barriers to Orchid Growing: Essential Materials and Tools to Grow and Repot Orchids Successfully
Saturday, 10 a.m. to Noon
$10 members; $25 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)

Free for Members of The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches (proof of membership is shown on the day of the class).Please register at www.mounts.org to save your spot.

Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults; classes are nonrefundable.

Mounts Botanical Garden and The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches present Potting Workshops the third Saturday of each month. Orchid Potting Workshops will be held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion just inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center. Our very first topic will be "Essential Materials and Tools to Grow and Repot Orchids Successfully." We cordially invite you to participate in our engaging and interactive workshops, led by esteemed members of the Board of The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches. The workshop will begin with an insightful discussion about the topic, followed by hands-on potting demonstrations, facilitated by our knowledgeable board members. Attendees are encouraged to bring potting and sanitizing materials, and up to two orchids to repot. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to enhance your potting skills and techniques. The potting sessions will wrap up with a friendly Q&A, giving everyone a chance to deepen their knowledge and ask questions.

October 20
Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao & Sound Bath with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10 a.m. 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.

Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being and explore the healing power of sound and intention amidst the transformative ambiance of our Full Moon Flower Release Ceremony. This serene gathering takes place in a beautifully adorned garden, filled with aromatic flowers and lush greenery. At Casa Rituals, our philosophy is centered on infusing mindful intention into the busy rhythms of modern life. We achieve this by creating a harmonious space that integrates sound healing and sacred rituals, fostering internal peace and alignment. Upon your arrival, a ceremonial smudging and blessing will be offered, creating a space to release the daily burdens. Following this, you'll be presented with a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao leading this sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. The Cacao serves to relax, unlock the heart chakra, and make one more receptive to the forthcoming healing experience. Finally, visitors will gently transition into a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deep sound healing session. During this time, they will become fully immersed in the soothing and restorative energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Also, no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine three hours before and after the event.

October 26
Natural Autumn Centerpiece Workshop with Michael Spencer
Saturday, 10 a.m. to Noon
$45 Members; $65 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)

Registration is required; class size is limited to 12 adults; classes are nonrefundable.

Enhance fall décor with a lasting natural centerpiece. Join us for an enjoyable and creative workshop where you'll design a beautiful, long-lasting natural centerpiece perfect for your fall holiday gatherings.

What to Expect:

• Craft Your Centerpiece: Using a natural wreath as your base, you'll arrange a stunning combination of succulents, dried natural elements, and silk materials to create a centerpiece that will brighten up your space to impress your guests.
• All Supplies Provided: We'll supply everything you need, including the natural wreath, pots, and succulents, dried and silk materials. Just bring your creativity!
• Fall Treats: Savor the flavors of the Fall Season with apple cider and donuts provided to set the perfect autumnal mood.

Safety and Conduct Policies:

• To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, we will strictly adhere to the existing Dogs' Days policies, including:
• Dogs must be on non-retractable leashes no longer than six feet.
• Only one dog per adult.
• Dogs must be socialized, vaccinated, and wearing a well-fitted collar with tags.
• Owners are responsible for their dogs' behavior and must clean up after their pets.
• Dogs must be removed from the garden if they show signs of aggression.
• No dogs in plant beds or the lake.

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