Trip to the Tropics

A tropical oasis awaits – no flight needed.

Join us for a Trip to the Tropics, a two-weekend celebration of our Williamson Conservatory, filled with lush tropical plants, restorative Forest Bathing and mindfulness practices, live music, orchid and tropical plant workshops, tours of the Williamson Conservatory hosted by our knowledgable Horticulture team and two intimate Sip and Stroll evenings featuring delicious tropical cocktails. Take a step into paradise and enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a Trip to the Tropics!

All proceeds from Trip to the Tropics go toward restoring the tropical plant population in the Williamson Conservatory. Support this initiative here.

Schedule & Programming (Click each date to view):

Friday, February 21

Conservatory Tours

11 a.m. + 1 p.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission*

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.

*Pre-registration required due to limited space

Register for Friday, Feb. 21

Tropical Forest Bathing

4-6 p.m. | $55 (non-member price; members save 15%)

Join ANFT Certified Guide Angie Stegall for this soothing two-hour meditative exploration into our beautiful Williamson Conservatory. Experience a tranquil, tropical setting throughout this wellness practice and discover a quiet path to unplug, slow down and reconnect with yourself and the natural world around you.

Register Here

Saturday, February 22

Orchid 101 Workshop

1-2 p.m. | $30 (non-member pricing; members save 15%)

There is no flower that cannot bloom with the right knowledge and resources– even the fickle orchid! We invite you to an introductory lesson with a member of our Horticulture team to learn what makes orchids tick!

Orchids may have a reputation as daunting plants to care for, but with the tips and tricks you’ll discover in our Conservatory Classroom, you will leave feeling ready to jump right into the world of orchid care! In this class you will learn about the proper potting medium, when and why we fertilize, how to repot a root-bound orchid and more! You’ll walk away with loads of knowledge, a Phalaenopsis from our very own holiday Orchid Tree, and a brand-new orchid pot.

Register Here

Conservatory Sip and Stroll

4-6 p.m. | $25 (non-member pricing; members save 15%)

Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Conservatory during the golden hour, and escape from the winter chill into a cozy oasis. Featuring a cash bar with beer, wine and a delicious themed cocktail, light complimentary charcuterie to pair with your beverage, and live acoustic music from guitarist Aaron Denver Crites, you’ll experience the Conservatory in a whole new light! Mingle with friends amongst artwork painted plein air by the Gaston County Art Guild and hand-selected tropical displays arranged with love by our dedicated Horticulture team. Rediscover your path to nature in our tropical hideaway!

Register Here

Sunday, February 23

Conservatory Tour

11 a.m. + 1 p.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission*

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.

*Pre-registration required due to limited space

Register for Sunday, Feb. 23

Friday, February 28

Conservatory Tours

11 a.m. + 1 p.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission*

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.

*Pre-registration required due to limited space

Register for Friday, Feb. 28

Saturday, March 1

Conservatory Tour

11 a.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission*

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.

*Pre-registration required due to limited space

Register for Saturday, March 1

Propagation Essentials Workshop

1-2 p.m. | $30 (non-member pricing; members save 15%)

Roll up your sleeves and register to learn the Propagation Essentials!

Join us for this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the fundamentals of plant propagation. This class will teach you essential techniques to successfully propagate plants, allowing you to take home your very own cutting from our Williamson Conservatory. We’ll be working with Ficus elastica, commonly known as the Rubber Tree, and exploring different propagation methods.

You’ll gain practical experience in propagating plants in both water and soil, using various rooting techniques. We’ll also cover the art of air layering: a method that encourages root growth while the cutting is still attached to the parent plant. We’ll discuss which plants are best suited for different propagation methods and how to increase your success rate at home.

Register Here

Conservatory Sip and Stroll

4-6 p.m. | $25 (non-member pricing; members save 15%)

Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Conservatory during the golden hour, and escape from the winter chill into a cozy oasis. Featuring a cash bar with beer, wine and a delicious themed cocktail, light complimentary charcuterie to pair with your beverage, and live acoustic music from guitarist Aaron Denver Crites, you’ll experience the Conservatory in a whole new light! Mingle with friends amongst artwork painted plein air by the Gaston County Art Guild and hand-selected tropical displays arranged with love by our dedicated Horticulture team. Rediscover your path to nature in our tropical hideaway!

Register Here