(West Palm Beach, FL – July 15, 2024) Elephants, hippo, and lion – oh my! In addition to hosting 26 fun and informative, healthy, and horticultural workshops and events during August, Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden has introduced a new family of life-size animals made from recycled metal located throughout the Garden.

 

“We continue to offer exciting and elevated programming throughout the summer, featuring 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. “And August is the perfect time to take advantage of our special summertime discounted admission, while also checking out our new family of life-size metal animals.”

 

Mounts Botanical Garden is now open to the Public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm (with last entry at 2 pm), 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 hours and rates at Mounts will resume this Fall.

 

August 3

Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop:
Orchids & Stormy Weather

Presented by Mounts Botanical Garden & Tropical Orchid Society

Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:15 am

$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: Orchids & Stormy Weather. 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.

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Tai Chi

with Josefina McMahon

Saturdays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am

$20 members; $25 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.

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

August 4

New Moon Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience

With Casa Rituals

Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 

$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) 

Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable. 

This is an opportunity for Mounts visitors to celebrate the August 8 Lion’s Gate portal opening, a day that astrologers consider lucky. Participants can be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being as they 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, they'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.  

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

August 6, 13, 20, 27

Watercolor at the Garden

with Carl Stoveland  

Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
$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 or 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.

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

August 6, 13, 20, 27

Beginner Watercolor

with Carl Stoveland

Tuesdays, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
$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, 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. 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). 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. 

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

August 7

Palm Beach County Residents Day

Wednesday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last entry at 3 pm)

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.

 

August 11

Dogs’ Day in the Garden

Sunday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last entry at 2 pm)

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.

For details, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/

 

August 7, 14, 21, 28

Qi Gong

with Roxanne Cumberland

Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am

$12 for members; $18 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.

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

August 11, 25

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.

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

August 17

Aroids of the Garden

With Mounts Horticulturist Palmer Crippen

Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
$10 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable. 

Come listen as we explore the immense variety of aroids found throughout the world’s tropical regions. This presentation will focus on the distinctive forms and unique roles this family of plants holds in rainforest ecosystems.

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

August 18

Full Moon Cacao Ceremony and Sound Immersion Experience

Sunday, 10 am to 12:00 pm 

$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.  

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-8/mounts.org

 

Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects

Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide

Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org]. 

 

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.

 

Attached Images:

(Photo Credit: Mounts Botanical Garden)

1.   Life-Size Metal Giraffes at Mounts

2.   New Moon Cacao Ceremony with Casa Rituals – August 4

3.   Watercolor in the Garden with Carl Stoveland – August 6,13, 20, 27

4.   Dogs’ Day in the Garden – August 11

5.   Aroids of the Garden with Palmer Crippen – August 17

 

Available for Interview:

Misty Stoller, Interim Co-Director

Mounts Botanical Garden

954.292.8169 / [email protected]

 

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart, PR-BS

561.756.4298 / [email protected]