Mounts in September: Self-Care Awareness & National Honey Month

Photos: Mounts Botanical Garden

September is always a very busy time for plant lovers, and this year Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is planning multiple horticultural classes and events to celebrate both National Honey Month and Self-Care Awareness Month-including the always popular, 2-day Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale. To register, please visit: https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-9/mounts.org

"As summer fades and fall arrives in all of its verdant glory, we continue to offer exciting and elevated programming of both new and traditional events-all at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach," invites Mounts Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller. "September is also the perfect time to check out our new family of seven 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 the daily admission rate has been lowered to $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $7 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6. The traditional rates at Mounts will resume on October 1.

September 1
New Moon Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience 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 the cacao under the shade of the Garden's cacao tree. 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, taking part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony while aligning with the new moon's energies to set an intention for opening the heart to receive. 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.

September 3, 10, 17, 24
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.

September 3, 10, 17, 24
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.

September 4
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: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students, and military with ID; $7 for ages 6-17; free for children under age 6.

September 7
Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop: Encyclia 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: Encyclia 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.

September 7, 14, 28
Tai Chi with Josefina McMahon
Saturday, 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.

September 8
Dogs' Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)
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.
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.

September 8
Awakening Hearts:
A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
$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.

September 14 - National Honey Month!
For the Love of Bees Honey Tasting & Presentation with Joanna Diamond
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Enter the world of the hard-working yet least rewarded humble honey bee and find out what makes these tiny but critical insects so special. Learn fascinating facts, dispel myths and misconceptions, and find out why instead of us being afraid of them, they should be scared of us. Go behind the scenes of live bee removals (including Africanized bees) and have a frank discussion about what WE can do for THEM, instead of the other way around. Participants will delve into honey's incredible, edible world, learn how bees make honey, discuss different honey varietals, and enjoy a honey-tasting session. Local raw honey will be available for sale.

September 15
Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao and 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. 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being and explore the healing power of the cacao under the shade of the Garden's cacao tree. Upon arrival, a ceremonial smudging and blessing will be offered, creating a space to release the daily burdens that weigh upon you. Following this, attendees will be presented with a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao, taking part in our sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony while aligning with the new moon's energies to set an intention for opening your heart to receive. The Cacao serves to relax, unlock your heart chakra, and make one more receptive to the forthcoming healing experience. Finally, gently transition into a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deep sound healing session. During this time, 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.

September 21 & 22 - Rain or Shine!
Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale
+ Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Members Only preview 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.; last entry 3:30 p.m.)
+ Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last entry 2:30 p.m.)
FREE for members, $15 for nonmembers (adults); $12 (seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID); $7 (ages 6-17); free for children under 6 and AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Note: Admission is by credit/debit card ONLY; no cash.
Mounts Botanical Garden's Exotics and Orchids Sale features the finest plant growers, artisans, and experts from across the State of Florida. Visitors have an opportunity to fully engage in the world of plants and learn new gardening techniques, discover what's trending in floral design, and enjoy Mounts Botanical's tranquil tropical oasis all at the same time. They can shop a wide variety of rare, exotic, and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more, from 50 highly sought-after top growers and artisan vendors. Visitors can also learn about South Florida's plant culture by speaking directly with growers. In addition, speakers and authors who are experts in their respective fields will conduct fun and informative presentations and answer visitors' questions. Plus, additional horticultural 'must-haves' and unique treasures for your home and garden are also available in the Garden's Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop. Food and dessert trucks will also be at the Garden throughout both days.

SPECIAL PLANT-A-PALOOZA PRESENTATIONS
FREE with Plant Sale Admission.

No registration required, but space is limited to first-come basis.
** Saturday, September 21 at 11 a.m.
Amorphophilia: Growing Amorphophallus in South Florida with David Hernandez from LeafGardens
This presentation brings attendees into the fantastical phallic world of this aroid where they'll discover there's more than meets the nose. This talk will formally introduce them to the genus, the part they play in the ecosystem as a whole, and how easily one can become a grower in his/her own garden. David Hernandez had an appreciation of the natural world for years which transformed into a passion sparked after experiencing a Titan Arum bloom in 2003. While dabbling in the tech industry after high school he maintained an active connection to nature in the form of a small collection of strange plants. Years later, LeafGardens was created to combine his interests in certain aspects of nature and technology under one umbrella, teaching visitors at various events about his unusual band of plants and enlightening guests about our world.

** Sunday, September 22 at 11 a.m.
Growing Food at Home: The South Florida Edible Landscape with Abraham Jantz from Palm Beach Farmyards
October marks the beginning of the main growing season in South Florida. Learn everything you need to know to grow like a pro this year. Abraham Jantz of Jantz Tropical Design works alongside Mike Kane of The Garden Shoppe at their sister company, Palm Beach Farmyards, a nonprofit urban farming and edible landscaping company. Jantz is also a certified beekeeper and has been a Florida Master Gardener for over 10 years. He has a passion for helping people to grow food at home.

** Sunday, September 22 at 1 p.m.
Common Orchids with Mike Sands from Tangles Roots Orchid Nursery
Common orchids you find at big box stores and understanding their care. Mike Sands will discuss growing conditions and understanding light care, as well as some uncommon orchids you will find. A certified horticulturist and Master Naturalist who works for the City of Wellington as the head horticulturalist and head spray tech, Sands holds four different spray licenses through the state of Florida that include ornamental and turf, right away, aquatic and natural area. He has been with the city for the last 12 years after serving nine years in the army. At Tangled Roots they specialize in bifoliate cattleyas, the misunderstood cattleya. Mike is also a past president of a local orchid society and is being voted in on the board of the local Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). He started making their own 3D printed pots that are biodegradable after about five years. He has also developed their own fertilizer line that will be released in August. Their fertilizer line has three different types: a 20-20-20 with a built in bacterial fungicide, which is a mix of copper and zinc (don't worry it's safe for Dendrobiums!); a 0-52-34 which focuses on roots and buds as well a preventive bacterial fungicide; and a 35-20-20 which has cal/mag built right into it, as well as a bacterial fungicide. Sands lives in Florida with our rainy season, wants to make plants as strong as possible, and has been using all three of these products in the nursery for the last two years.

September 28
Introduction to Bonsai with Michael Spencer
Saturday, 10 a.m. 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.

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at Bonsai? If so, this is the class for you. Michael Spencer, Mounts Volunteer of the Year 2024, will discuss how to begin the process of creating a Bonsai. Participants will be able to design their starter plant to bring home and learn the basic tools needed for the maintenance of these miniature living treasures. Plant and Bonsai containers will be provided. Participants may bring their own garden snips or small scissors, if they don't have tools yet, small scissors will be provided for use in class.

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