Summer has once again passed by, and now the leaves are turning brilliant shades of orange,… Summer has once again passed by, and now the leaves are turning brilliant shades of orange, yellow and red. The cold weather and recent frosts hasten the last living days of blossoming flowers. Hold on to summer foliage a wee bit longer by visiting Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens just a short jaunt away in Schenley Park.

Tonight marks the opening of the “2002 Annual Fall Flower Show: Japanese Chrysanthemum Festival.” A plethora of chrysanthemums adorn the greenhouse – variations in color, size and bloom are all there.

In addition to the fragrant flowers, there are other aspects of Japanese culture that go along perfectly with this display. A Japanese garden complete with a teahouse; a splashing waterfall and pagoda; a mountain garden; as well as bamboo are all new additions.

Origami cranes are an appropriate ingredient in the peace garden, inspired by Japanese women that made them as part of prayer offerings at Ground Zero. According to Japanese legend, if a person folds 1,000 origami cranes, they will be granted a wish or a prayer.

Don’t feel like a quick trip to Japan? How about traveling to a rain forest, desert or even back in time to view ancient plants? With the various other rooms at Phipps, you can go wherever your heart desires.

As always, your Pitt ID is an important tool when it comes to getting things cheap or even free – flash it at the door and pay only $4.

Know something exciting under $10 going on? Give Katie a heads up at [email protected].