​With Spring now fully a-bloom, Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will host a variety of fun, informative and healthy workshops and events throughout the month of May, even as it says a fond farewell to the popular exhibit ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN. 

To register, please visit: https://www.mounts.org/events/m​​onth/2024-05/ 

“We will continue to offer exciting and elevated programming next month, 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. 

May 1
Palm Beach County Residents Day
Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 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.

May 1, 8, 15, 29
Qi Gong with Roxanne Cumberland
Wednesdays, 10 to 11 a.m.

$12 for members; $25 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.

May 4
Plen Air Palm Beach: Paint Out!
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FREE with Garden admission.

Plen Air Palm Beach Painters will be painting Garden scenes throughout Mounts creating a lovely atmosphere in which visitors can view art and artists at work. Participating painters will be happy to answer any questions about Plen Air Painting or their techniques, and they may even have an original painting or two to sell to art-loving Garden guests.

May 5
Orchids are for Everyone: Potting Workshop
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: Dendrobiums or Vanda 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.

May 5, 18, 19
Forest Bathing: Nature Therapy Walks and Tea Ceremony with Kathy Andio

• Sunday, May 5, 9:15 to 11:30 a.m.
  
• Saturday, May 18, 9:15 to 11:30 a.m.
• Sunday, May 19, 9:15 to 11:30 a.m.

$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). 

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

Forest Bathing—also known as Nature Therapy—is an immersive experience in nature that gives participants an opportunity to reset their outlook on life and have an encounter with nature in a way that they have never-before experienced. It is a sensory practice away from phones, computers, and social media and back to what the body yearns for—a connection with nature, a sense of peace, a sense of relaxation, and a sense of being in the present moment. It provides the perfect time to become a human “be-ing" instead of a human “do-ing". During a Forest Bathing experience, attendees will be invited to slow down and reconnect with nature's perfect balance using their senses to see the sunlight playing through the leaves, smell the flowers, and feel and hear the gentle wind whispering to return to one's native roots and discover a deeper self. The nature encounter concludes with a tea ceremony to connect with other like-minded nature lovers. Forest Bathing has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, lift depression, reduce stress, and improve sleep. But beyond these physiological changes, this contemplative experience demonstrates how important it is for well-being to take time in nature on a daily basis.

Note: Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before start time and bring a chair or yoga mat.

May 5
Embracing the Air Element: A New Moon Ritual with Cacao & Sound Healing
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

$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 connect with the essence of the AIR element, symbolizing both wind and the mind. The journey begins with a connecting ritual, balancing a person's nervous system, while nurturing a feeling of tranquility, soft expansion, and embracing the natural flow of life's rhythm. Upon arrival, guests will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from day-to day life. Participating in a sacred cacao ceremony will help one relax, activate the heart, and prepare one to embrace the healing journey ahead. This journey is enriched by the transformative power of Gong sound healing, granting visitors the ability to transcend mental constraints and explore the depths of their inner world. By attuning to the ceremony and harmonious frequencies, coupled with the practice of Yoga Nidra meditation, this will promote healing for the mind, body, and soul. As they depart, participants will feel more intimately connected with intuition, aligned with the sanctuary of the heart, and receptive to the wellspring of inner wisdom.

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.  

May 7, 14, 21, 28
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 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.

May 7, 14, 21, 28
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, 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. 

May 11
Welcome to the World of Bonsai!
Saturday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Free for members; Free with Garden admission for nonmembers 
Registration is required; presentation size is limited to 75 adults

May 11 is World Bonsai Day. Celebrate by attending this fantastic presentation where participants will walk away not only with a wealth of knowledge about bonsai, but also with a lot of inspiration. Questions to be answered include:

• Is a bonsai a particular species of tree? Can any small tree become a bonsai?
• How did bonsai come about, and what do they signify?
• How do you style a bonsai?
• What's special about bonsai pots?
• What's the best way to kill a bonsai?

Along with a stunning photo presentation, there will be a live demonstration of how to transform a nursery tree into a beginning bonsai. Visitors will learn how to remove organic potting soil, selectively prune the roots and branches, and finally replant it in bonsai soil in a classic-style pot. At the end of the session, one lucky participant will leave with the demonstration.  

May 11
The Exquisite Art of Ikebana Flower Arranging
A Hands-on Workshop with Sensei Stephan Eberhagan

Sunday

• Session 1: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Session 2: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

$40 for members; $55 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). 

Registration is required; class size is limited to 6 adults per session; classes are nonrefundable. 

Complete Ikebana Kit is $45

Mount Botanical Garden is pleased to offer a special hands-on Ikebana class with Sensei Stephan Eberhagan, who will teach the guidelines and the spiritual meaning of these extraordinary arrangements and will allow participants to discover their own creativity in the process. Spaces are limited, please sign up for one session only. Flowers and greens will be provided. Students will need a Suiban and Kenzan to participate in class. Attendees can order the complete kit, consisting of one 13-inch Suiban, a 3.3-inch Kenzan, and a pair of stainless steel floral shears. The kit will be waiting the day of the class. OR people can purchase each item separately on their own to bring to class. The required dimensions: one flat container (Suiban) 8-10 inch diameter and 2-3 inch height; flower pin holder (Kenzan) with at least 3-inch diameter. Ikebana flower scissors (Hasami) are recommended, but optional – as scissors will be provided for use in class.

Note: Mount Botanical Garden is offering two sessions of this class. Please select the time that is best for you. Both sessions are the same.

May 12
FREE Admission for Moms on Mother's Day

May 12
Igniting Inner Fire and Love:
A Mother's Day Ceremony with Cacao and Sound Healing

A visitor to Mounts can take this opportunity to connect with the essence of the FIRE element—by listening to his/her heart and let the passion and inner light shine through. Embrace what excites and allow life to unfold at its own pace. Trust in the process. Participating in a sacred cacao ceremony will help people relax, activate their heart, and prepare to embrace the healing journey ahead. Upon arrival, guests will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from day-to day life. This experience is enriched by the transformative power of Gong sound healing, granting one the ability to transcend mental constraints and explore the depths of the inner world. By attuning to the ceremony and harmonious frequencies, coupled with the practice of Yoga Nidra meditation, this will promote healing for the mind, body, and soul. As guests depart, they'll find themselves more intimately connected with intuition, aligned with the sanctuary of the heart, and receptive to the wellspring of inner wisdom.

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

May 12
Dogs' Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 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.

May 18
The Japanese Garden: Form and Function
Presentation and Walk through Mounts with Morikami Garden Curator Heather Grzybek

Saturday, 10 to 11:30 a.m .

Free for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) 

Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults 

Special Event for Origami in the Garden:

Japanese Gardens are keen to the nature where they are created and that which surrounds them. Carefully considering not only each microclimate, seasonal change, potential damage from weather, and accessibility is essential during the design process. Functioning gardens consider natural changes that may occur and how to embrace them and prevent potential damage, while keeping the Japanese aesthetic at the forefront. Participants will explore Japanese Gardens that exemplify this concept and see some examples of this in the Mounts Botanical Garden.

May 19
Guided Tour of ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN
Sunday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Free for members; Free for nonmembers with Garden admission

Registration is required; tour sizes are limited to 20 adults

Join one of the experienced Tour Guides at Mounts for a final farewell tour of ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN. Explore how Kevin Box developed his unique art form, which merges the beauty of origami with the permanence of museum-quality metals, while always acknowledging the help of his wife Jennifer Box and his colleagues, some of the finest origami masters in the world.

May 19
Flow of Life: Embracing the Water Element with Cacao & Sound Healing
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. 

This is an opportunity for Mounts visitors to connect with the essence of the WATER element through a ritual that honors emotions, intuition, and inner knowledge. Upon arrival, guests will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from day-to day life. Participating in a sacred cacao ceremony will help one relax, activate the heart, and prepare one to embrace the healing journey ahead. This journey is enriched by the transformative power of Gong sound healing, granting visitors the ability to transcend mental constraints and explore the depths of their inner world. By attuning to the ceremony and harmonious frequencies, coupled with the practice of Yoga Nidra meditation, this will promote healing for the mind, body, and soul. As they depart, participants will feel more intimately connected with intuition, aligned with the sanctuary of the heart, and receptive to the wellspring of inner wisdom.

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.  

May 20 - 24
Mounts Botanical Garden will be CLOSED for the de-installation of the ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN exhibit.

May 26
Honoring the Earth Element with Cacao & Sound Healing
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. 

This is an opportunity for Mounts visitors to connect with the essence of the EARTH element by making an offering to the life of the Cacao tree, exploring the concept that Life is a Ceremony, and honoring both the sacred process and origin of this cherished medicine. Upon arrival, guests will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from day-to day life. Participating in a sacred cacao ceremony will help one relax, activate the heart, and prepare one to embrace the healing journey ahead. This journey is enriched by the transformative power of Gong sound healing, granting visitors the ability to transcend mental constraints and explore the depths of their inner world. By attuning to the ceremony and harmonious frequencies, coupled with the practice of Yoga Nidra meditation, this will promote healing for the mind, body, and soul. As they depart, participants will feel more intimately connected with intuition, aligned with the sanctuary of the heart, and receptive to the wellspring of inner wisdom.

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.