February is Fabulous at Mounts

Celebrating new life and new growth with a horticultural flourish, Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting happy and healthy, fun-in-the-sun workshops, classes and special events in February. To register, please visit:https://www.mounts.org/events/month/2023-02/

February 1, 8, 15, 22
Qi Gong with Roxanne Cumberland
Wednesdays, 10 to 11 a.m.
$10 for members; $15 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.

February 1, 8, 22
Wednesday Member's Only Morning Walks with April Krebs
Wednesdays, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
$5 for members. Registration is required; all classes are non-refundable; tour size is limited to 15 adults.
Join us on these early morning Garden walks to reconnect and recharge with nature. Walk for fitness and for fun, stopping along the way to enjoy the early morning quiet. Experience the beauty of the Garden before the crowds arrive. Mounts Special Projects Manager and garden lover April Krebs will have a different subject to focus on each week noting the various horticultural changes.

February 2, 9, 16, 23
Beginner Watercolor with Carl Stoveland
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$15 for members; $20 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. Start with 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. Begin each class with a Nature Walk through the Garden led by the artist. The purpose of the walk is to inspire and give participants an opportunity to capture photos with their phone or tablet along the way. The group will then move indoors, where the instructor will start with a quick demo topic then assist people in choosing a subject and getting started on his/her watercolors. 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).

February 4
Honey Bee Inspirations:
The Captivating World of Honey Bees and Beekeeping with Joanna Diamond
Saturday, 10 a.m. to Noon
$20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults; all classes are non-refundable; classes held inside.
Under the direction of bee expert Joanna Diamondfrom the Honey Bee Rescue Center, this class will cover topics ranging from little known but intriguing facts about honey bees; why honey bees in particular are so important as pollinators, do we need to be afraid of bees or should bees be afraid of us, and dispelling myths and misconceptions about bees. Why are honey bee populations declining and the facts behind swarms and swarming, what to do if spotting a swarm, how to help bees, and behind the scenes of live bee removals. What does it take to become a beekeeper and, in particular, can you even do so if you are afraid of bees? After a short overview of Orchid Bees, attendees will be introduced to the fascinating world of honey; including how and why bees make honey, which honey is best, and ending with a honey tasting session. Raw wildflower honey will be available to buy after class, as well as Orchid Bee feeders and Honey Bee Revival Kits.

February 4, 8, 15, 22
Introduction to Tropical Permaculture; Lunch and Learn Series with Megan Kelly
+ Saturday, February 4 at Mounts Botanical Garden, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
+ Wednesdays, February 8, 15, 22 on Zoom, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
$100 for members; $125 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
(Note: This is a 4-part package only; classes not sold separately.)
Registration is required; class size limited to 45 adults; all classes are non-refundable.
This series is designed so people can participate through Zoom from wherever they happen to be. In this four-week course, learn the foundations of permaculture and how to design and create ecological landscapes filled with edible, medicinal, and native plants while gaining skills to recognize patterns in nature, regenerate soil, and reconnect with the living world. Permaculture is a whole systems design philosophy that works with nature to create a healthy, productive, regenerative garden. The first session will be in-person at Mounts, followed by three classes on Zoom. After registering for the course, participants will receive an email with links for the zoom classes as well as additional resources. This is a truly unique way to garden in the tropics.

+ Saturday, February 4 at Mounts Botanical Garden, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
At this Lunch and Learn workshop live at Mounts, participants will gain a strong foundation in the ethics and principles that define permaculture design. This course will be led by Megan Kelly of New River Gardens. She is a regenerative gardener, whole systems educator, and permaculture design specialist native to South Florida

+ Wednesdays on Zoom, Noon to 1:30 p.m.

• February 8: The Tropical Food Forest Garden

Winter is the perfect time to begin a tropical food forest garden. The class will cover the basics of forest gardening, getting to know essential plants that make up the foundation of a tropical food forest garden, and gaining skills to feed friends and family from our backyards in the tropical urban environment. Learn how to create balanced, regenerative ecosystems by harnessing the energy of the elements coming into your sight like sunlight, wind, and perhaps the most important sector for a person living in our coastal community-water.

• February 15: Regenerative Soil Building

The foundation of all life in the garden lies in the soil. Learn the basics of building soil by using regenerative practices like composting and growing your own fertilizer. This zoom workshop will provide practical skills to reduce local waste stream, clean up waterways, provide self-renewing fertility, and create abundance.

• February 22: Holistic Garden Care

In the final Lunch and Learn class, learn the essentials of holistic garden care. From "pests" like iguanas to plant disease, how to take a whole systems approach to work with nature rather than against it when challenges arise? Leave this class with a strong foundation in whole systems garden care that will bring peace of mind and a new outlook on growing and life.

February 5
Tu Bishvat Walking Sederwith Cantor Gastón Bogomolni & Marcela Gómez-Bogomolni
Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$18 for members; $20 for nonmembers; $5 ages 6-17; free for ages 5 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (Includes full Garden admission). Registration is required; walk is limited to 30 guests; all classes are non-refundable.
When was the last time you wished a tree Happy New Year? The 15th day of the month of Shevat on the Hebrew calendar is a great opportunity. It is also called Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot, literally "New Year of the Trees." In contemporary Israel and around the world, the day is celebrated as an ecological awareness day, and trees are planted in celebration, fruits are eaten, poetry is recited, songs are sung in combination with a few contemplative moments of meditation.

February 5, 19
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 non-refundable.
Upon arrival, attendees will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from day-to day life. Guided by instructors Marit Tuisk and David Lepp, they will be given a cup of the highest quality Ceremonial Cacao to take part in this sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. The Cacao works to relax, open the heart chakra, and increase receptivity to healing. Finally, they will relax into Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which participants will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.
Notes:
+ Please bring your yoga mat and blanket.
+ Please no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and no caffeine 3 hours before and after the event.
+ This 90-minute class features Opening Sacred Space, Intention Setting & Cacao Invocation, Ceremonial Cacao Receiving & Drinking Ritual, Guided Heart Opening Yoga Nidra Meditation, Sound Healing Energetic Work, Journaling Reflection, Sharing Circle, Closing Sacred Space.

February 7
For the Love of Succulents with Michael Spencer
Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
$30 Members; $35 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults
Who needs a diamond necklace for Valentine's day when you can give your loved one an arrangement of succulent gems you arranged yourself! Come learn how to design a succulent arrangement to gift or keep as a gift to yourself. Horticulture specialist Michael Spencer will answer questions about how to nurture, propagate, and create an environment where these stylish, gorgeous plants can thrive. All materials, including plants are included with the class. Snacks will be provided.

February 7, 14, 21, 28
Watercolor at the Garden with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$15 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 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 beginners should consider the Thursday beginners class.Begin each class with a Nature Walk through the Garden led by Stoveland. The purpose of the walk is to inspire participants and give them an opportunity to capture photos with their phone or tablet along the way. The group will then move indoors, where the instructor will start with a quick demo topic then assist students in choosing a subject and getting started on a watercolor.

February 8
Composting 101 with Mel Corniche
Wednesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
$15 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 40 adults; all classes are non-refundable.
Do you know how many ways there are to compost? Thermophilic, cold, aerated, static, in-vessel, in field, vermicomposting, bokashi, etc. This class will share various composting techniques and the pros and cons of each, plus tips on how to best utilize and benefit from composting at home. Even an experienced composter may learn something new. Instructor Mel Corichi is a certified Safe Compost Operator who has been featured on WPTV and The Weather Channel and is considered an expert in her field of vermiculture and waste reduction in application to sustainable farming and gardening.

February 11-12
Winter Plant-a-Palooza Plant Sale
+ Saturday, 8 to 9 a.m. Members-Only Preview; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. open to public (last entry at 3:30 p.m.)
+ Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. open to public (last entry at 2:30 p.m.)
FREE for Mounts members, children 5 and under, and AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, active military, and college students with ID; $7 for ages, 6-17.Tickets available atwww.mounts.org
The Mounts Winter Plant Sale returns with dozens of vendors in select Garden areas, offering a great selection of plants, shrubs, trees, and garden accessories. For a complete list of vendors, please visit the free mobile garden guide on Bloomberg Connects at (https://www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/). The Mounts Botanical Nursery and Garden Thrift Shop will be open with a variety of colorful plants and unique treasures for the home and garden.
Notes:
+Admission is by credit card/debit card only; no cash. Tickets are nonrefundable.
+ Dogs' Day in the Garden and Palm Beach County Residents Day will not take place in February during the Plant Sale.

February 14
Start a Hydroponic Garden at Home with Soleil Aneiro
Tuesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
$15 members; $20 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults; all classes are non-refundable.
All beginners are welcome at this class on what it means to grow hydroponically and what is needed to get started. Instructor Soleil Aneiro will go through the key nutrients needed for healthy plants, the light requirements, and the many different types of set-ups one can utilize to successfully grow a garden of food hydroponically.

February 17
Year of the Orchid Series:
Orchid Care: Using Natural Pesticides, Fungicides, and Fertilizers with Mike Sands
Friday, 10 to 11:00 a.m.
$15 members $20 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults; all classes are non-refundable.
Mike Sands, president of the Tropical Orchid Society, will discuss when, how, and why to fertilize orchids. Learn key steps to prevent pests and what to do if you find them. Learn how to diagnose problems without going to Facebook, also the differences between organic oils, and soaps, and other safe-to-use insecticides and pesticides to help care for plants. Orchids will be available for sale after class.

February 21
Introduction to Worms with Mel Corichi
Tuesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
$15 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults; all classes are non-refundable.
Interesting fact: Charles Darwin's last book was about worms (or Annelids), which are some of the oldest creatures unchanged by time. They have no bones and are 90% water, however they shape the entire environment. In this class, participants will get to meet some squirmy companions while discussing vermiculture, or the raising of worms. Known as "The Worm Queen," instructor Mel Corichi will discuss how to keep worms as domestic livestock, some techniques for composting with worms, or breeding worms for bait and soil maintenance. Worms and worm bins will be available for purchase after the class.

February 22
A Newcomer's Guide for Gardening in Florida with Nada Vergili
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to Noon
$15 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults; all classes are non-refundable. Classes held inside.
In this informative class and walking tour through Mounts, instructor Nada Vergili will discuss which plants thrive in a sub-tropical climate, how to improve soil quality, what to plant in sun/shade (or a little bit of both), and how to avoid common mistakes people make when moving to South Florida. Learn how to garden the South Florida way. Vergili is a Mounts Botanical Garden docent, holistic landscape designer, and UF/IFAS Florida Friendly Landscape Award winner in the 2021 Before and After category.

February 24
Tai Chi at Mounts with Josefina McMahon
Fridays, 10 to 11 a.m.
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.
Tai Chi features flowing and gentle, but profoundly powerful movements. The main objective of the practice of Tai Chi is to magnify, strengthen and encourage the flow of the internal energy, the "chi". When the "chi" flows throughout the body, one experiences over-all health, rejuvenation, and internal joy. This Tai Chi class is based on Sun Style Tai Chi which combines Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
Note: Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.

February 28
Creating Garden Ecosystems with Nada Vergili
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to Noon
$15 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults; all classes are non-refundable. Classes held inside.
All of nature is interconnected and urban gardens are no exception. To create a healthy garden ecosystem, one needs to make sure all the components are working with, not against, natural processes. This class will share the components that can make a garden layered and lush. Learn how to create a natural ecosystem community to attract pollinators and birds that will support plantings while providing a peaceful healthy environment. Learn to build a garden that works as a balanced system where there is a place for every plant and a plant for every place.

Also Available to Visit at Mounts Through 2023
Patrick Dougherty's Stickwork

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

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