Visitors to Mounts Botanical Garden sit under a Royal Poinciana while viewing the lake.
Photo by Melissa Carter
Mounts Botanical Garden holds classes to better your body and mind throughout the month of July. Learn about an ancient martial art, watercolor painting and focused meditation.
Mounts’ 25 garden areas are home to more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Palm Beach County’s largest botanical garden spans 16 acres.
Tai chi classes are held July 1, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. The ancient Chinese martial art teaches how to achieve the flow of the body’s chi, or internal energy. Flowing chi can bring health, rejuvenation and joy to an individual. The movements in tai chi are strong yet gentle. Participants at Mounts Botanical will learn a combination of qi gong and tai chi from Josefina McMahon. Participants should wear sneakers or close-toed comfortable shoes and loose clothing and bring a towel and water. The cost is $10 for Mounts members and $15 for nonmembers.
Artists can attend watercolor classes July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes will begin with a nature walk led by instructor Carl Stoveland, followed by an indoor demonstration about choosing a subject to paint. The class is for adults of any skill level. Bring pencils, pens, paints, a sketchpad, watercolor pad or journal. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
Wednesday walk and talk occurs July 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Participants walk through the garden with a few stops for stretching exercises. The event, led by Mounts special projects manager April Krebs, costs $5 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
Qi gong classes are held July 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 10 to 11 a.m. at a cost of $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. This exercise aims to increase metabolism, flexibility and strength. The ancient Chinese exercise contains slow movements along with meditation and focused breathing. Roxanne Cumberland will lead the class.
All events include full garden admission. Most require advance registration, which is available at mounts.org/events/2022-07. Mounts Botanical is at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach.
