Jump Into June at Mounts Botanical

​As South Florida slips into summer, Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 37 fun-in-the-sun workshops, classes, and special events throughout the month of June. To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2023-6/mounts.org

"This is the perfect time 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.

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Beginners Tai Chi with Josefina McMahon
Fridays, 10 to 10:45 a.m.
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are non-refundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.

This introductory class is excellent for "newbies" to Tai Chi as participants learn about basic principles and moves (called Forms). The primary goal is improving overall health and well-being.

Note: Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and loose tops and pants. Please bring a towel and water.

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Advanced Tai Chi with Josefina McMahon
Fridays, 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are non-refundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.

For those who have already taken Beginners Tai Chi at Mounts and would like to learn more sophisticated moves (forms) to further deepen and enjoy Tai Chi Forms that are a bit more challenging. The balance and mindfulness of participants will further improve, and both outer and inner perceptions will experience delight.

Note: Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and loose tops and pants. Please bring a towel and water.

June 3
Free Tree Giveaway with Community Greening
Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m.
No registration is required; trees are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Community Greening is teaming up with State Farm and the Arbor Day Foundation to pass out FREE TREES in the Mounts Botanical Garden Parking Entrance parking lot. This will be a Walk-up Tree Giveaway, passing out 140 native and fruit trees on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, with a limit of two trees (one fruit tree) per household. No residency restrictions. Open to everyone. For more details, please visit: https://communitygreening.org/event/state-farm-tree-giveaway/

June 3, July 1, 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 to 11:15a.m.
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 non-refundable.

Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults.

Mike Sands, president of the Tropical Orchid Society, will instruct these monthly Orchid Potting Workshops will be held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion located just inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center, the first Saturday of every month throughout the summer. Topics will include Mounting and Dividing (June 3), Pests and Diseases (July 1), and Native orchids of Florida (August 5). Students may bring one plant from home to report during the workshop. Potting media, plastic pots, and orchids will be available for purchase.

June 6, 13, 20, 27
Watercolor at the Garden with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are non-refundable.
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 is 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.

June 6, 13, 20, 27
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 non-refundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.

If you have always wanted to try watercolor but have 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 and share your love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring pencils, pens, paints, a 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.

June 7, 14, 21
Qi Gong with Roxanne Cumberland
Wednesdays, 10 to 11 a.m.
$10 for members; $18 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are non-refundable.

Registration is required; the 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.

June 10
Palm Beach County Residents Day
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 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.

June 10-11
Botanical Photography Workshop with Jerry Ginsberg
Saturday & Sunday, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
For Both Classes: $40 for members; $60 for nonmembers

For One Class: $25 for members; $35 for nonmembers

(Includes full Garden admission for both)

Registration is required; all classes are non-refundable; class size is limited to 25 adults.

• Saturday Session: Photographing Mounts Botanical Garden with multi-award winning photographerJerry Ginsberg. Please bring the following: pad, tablet, or preferred notetaking material; hat for sun protection water bottle; camera, tripod, cable release or switch; zoom lens; macro lens or close-up attachments.
• Sunday Session:Learning the Magic of the Digital Darkroom. In the past, the film was sent to a lab for processing; these days, we are the lab. Today's software enables anyone to bring out the essence of his/her images. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop with Lightroom or Photoshop.

June 11
Dogs' Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 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. The 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.

June 11
Cacao Workshop + Heart Opening Cacao Ceremony with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 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; all classes are non-refundable.

This workshop is open to anyone who is curious to know more about Cacao, start their journey with Cacao, or already work with Cacao and want to reconnect with this heart medicine. The class will feature an Opening Ceremony, discussion about the origin of and benefits of drinking Cacao, Drinking Ritual, Guided Heart Opening Meditation, Sharing Circle Q&A, and Closing Sacred Space.,

Notes:

• Please bring your yoga mat and blanket, water, journal, and an open mind.
• Please no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and no caffeine 3 hours before and after the event.

June 13, 17, 25
Forest Bathing: Nature Therapy Walks & Tea Ceremony with Kathy Andio
9:30 a.m. to Noon
$20 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are non-refundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.

Take time to slow down, tune into your senses, and become a human "be" ing instead of a human "do" ing in this transformational nature walk inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of "forest bathing." Although no actual bathing occurs, the term is used because nature emits a substance that "bathes" you as you walk. This substance has health benefits that lower blood pressure decreases stress and depression, and improves sleep. Led by certified Nature Therapy Guide Kathy Andio, this slow, meditative walk is about cultivating the practice of stillness and mindfulness as we quiet our minds and are in the present moment, surrounded by nature. We don't travel far on the walk-as it's all about the journey, not the distance covered. The experience ends with a tea ceremony using our special Mounts Botanical Garden Tea from Cottage Garden Tea Company. Come and treat yourself to this life-changing practice. Bring a yoga mat or an easy-to-carry beach chair. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time.

June 17
Food Forest DIY in Your Own Backyard with Jen Reelitz
Saturday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
$20 members; $25 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are non-refundable.

Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.

A food forest mimics the natural productive forest edge-one that is planted with a diverse variety of edible plants, including fruit trees. Come learn all the ways that growing food in a forest system can benefit you and your family. This type of edible garden works especially well in Florida. We'll answer questions like: What is a food forest? How does it work? What are the advantages? We'll also give practical tips and crop recommendations and discuss the ways a food forest can boost your physical, mental, and emotional health. Instructor Jen Reelitz is a self-educated food forest enthusiast, who spent the last seven years learning, through trial and error, how to grow food in the tropics. She is the owner and operator of Food Forest DIY, a company that offers backyard food forest consultations and helps homeowners build the food forest they've been dreaming about. Her goal is to help people find joy and satisfaction in growing food.

June 18
Printmaking with Plants: Techniques to Take Home with Autumn Kioti
Sunday, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
$20 Members; $25 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are non-refundable.

Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults.

Join artist/Master Naturalist Autumn Kioti for a fun exploration of botanical printmaking techniques using simple supplies, many of which can be found in any kitchen. Learn about and collect plants from the garden, use recycled materials, and participants can even bring items from home. The class will explore different printmaking techniques, from monoprint to cyanotype and more. If you enjoy nature and art but have never known where to start, this is the perfect no-pressure class for beginners and experts alike to share their skills. Light refreshments will be provided.

June 18, 25
Heart Opening Cacao Ceremony + Sound Healing + Yoga Nidra with Casa Rituals
Sundays, 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; all classes are nonrefundable.

Upon arrival, participants will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from day-to day life. They will then be given a cup of the highest quality Ceremonial Cacao to take part in the sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. The Cacao works to relax participants, open the heart chakra, and help them to be receptive to the healing they will experience. Finally, attendees will relax into Yoga Nidra meditation and deep sound healing, during which they will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.

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

June 21
Gentle Yoga for National Yoga Day with Hegina Rodriguez
Wednesday, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
$15 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are non-refundable.

Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.

Participate in this special yoga class that is a combination of gentle Hatha and yin yoga practice. It is done at a slower pace and will include an extended time for meditation, yogic breath work, and relaxation. This gentle yoga class provides a safe, effective, compassionate, non-competitive environment that is welcoming to all. The class can be done in a chair or on the floor. Chairs will be provided, or bring a yoga mat. This class will be held inside the Mounts Auditorium or in our screened-in Delacorte Pavilion, depending upon the weather.

June 22 (World Rainforest Day)
KIDS Story Time (The Great Kapok Tree) & Art Activity with April KrebsThursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Children ages 4-10 $5 (includes full Garden admission)

Regular admission rates apply for adults & nonparticipating children, payable at the Welcome Center upon arrival. Classes are non-refundable.

In this reading of The Great Kapok Tree, children will discover the incredible beauty and importance of rainforests. Weather permitting, we will sit under a giant tree in the Mounts Rainforest while Special Projects Manager April Krebs reads the charming and informative book and then leads a participatory art project. Rainforests cover about 6% of the Earth's land surface and are some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

June 24
Easy Gardening for People in a Hurry with Nada Vergili
Saturday, 10 a.m. to Noon
$25 Members; $35 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).

Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults; all classes are nonrefundable.

For people who would love to have more plants but lack the time and skills to take care of them or are tired of watching plants die just after a few weeks. In this "crash-course-style-class," passionate gardener and Nature lover Nada Vergili will discuss the basics of gardening and fool-proof methods to becoming a successful gardener in South Florida. She'll go over a selection of super-easy, low-maintenance plants that will "thrive on neglect," whether kept in pots or outside in the yard. This class includes a guided walk into the garden, so attendees should wear comfortable footwear and sunscreen/bug spray if needed. Feel free to bring bottled water/snacks/lunch if you wish to enjoy them in the garden after class.

Special Exhibition at Mounts Through 2023
Patrick Dougherty's Stickwork

Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 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. The 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.

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