Below are some public gardens in the Alaska.
The Georgeson Botanical Garden conducts a research program developing and testing plants in the subarctic North. The Gardens on the site include a Children's Garden, an herb garden, shade and water gardens, perennial and ornamental test gardens, demonstration and cutting gardens, a spring color and low maintenance garden, a native plant garden, a demonstration windbreak and a boreal forest nature trail. A memorial garden is under construction.
The Palmer Garden, located on the grounds of the Palmer Museum of History and Art and Visitor Center will delight any gardener. Thematic garden beds are filled with annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and fruits. Plants for special uses, like wind breaks and revegetation are identified. The garden is open to the public all day every day during the summer months. Plan to spend some time, as there are lots of plants to admire.
The gardens at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer are planned for viewing during the State Fair at the end of August. Color coordinated annuals decorate each entrance and specialty plantings of herbs, annuals and perennials are found throughout the grounds. Hanging baskets of rhodochiton are a fairgrounds specialty.r.
A trip to Homer may yield a visit to the Pratt Museum's native plant garden. This recreation of natural plant habitats exhibits Alaskan native plant associations. They are well labeled and an interpretive guide is available.
While there are many fine public gardens in South Central Alaska where one may admire the profusion of beautiful flowers available to be grown here, the finest "garden" in our area is all around us! The public lands in South Central Alaska abound with lovely wildflowers, ferns, berries, mushrooms, grasses and shrubs. Mother Nature arranges her plantings with infinite care for the best display of her handiwork. These gardens are never the same from one year to the next. Some gardens are overwhelming for the abundance of blooms, and some are enchanting thanks to the perfection of an isolated blossom.
These gardens are free to the public and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are gardens for people of all ages and physical capabilities. Children are welcome to peruse these 'gardens'. Indeed, a visit is often the beginning of a life-long love affair with the great outdoors. Hikes and short walks are great family events, as are mushroom hunts and afternoons spent picking berries.
Learning about these magnificent gardens is not as difficult as it seems. There are many good books available to assist in plant identification. There are also many tours and guided hikes available to those who are hesitant to strike out on their own. Information on these events can often be found in the local newspapers.
The rules are simple: treat the flora and fauna you may find along the way with courtesy and care. Leave things as you find them. Pack out what you take in. Be safe, and enjoy yourself!
Planted and maintained by the local Master Gardeners, Pioneer Park is located on the river side of the Sterling Highway in the middle of town. It is primarily perennials highlighted by annuals. From pink silene in the early spring to multicolored yarrow and Asiatic lilies in the fall, it is always in blossom. Parking is informal and located at either end of the block-long park.
Starting as a stream reclamation project in 1994, Glacier Gardens is a uniquely designed botanical garden nestled in the midst of the mighty Tongass National Rainforest that attracts visitors from throughout the world. Guided tours escort guests through landscaped botanical gardens featuring Upside Down Flower Towers and into an untouched Alaskan rainforest wonderland.
Located 23 miles north of downtown Juneau in an area known locally as "out the Road", the Arboretum is just past Mile 23 on Glacier Highway. Watch for the square green mile markers on the shoulder of the road. Just after Mile 22, you will pass the Shrine of St. Therese. Continue on seven-tenths of a mile, passing Mile 23 and look for the Arboretum sign. Turn left and follow the short land to the small parking area. The Arboretum is open year round to the public at no charge, Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. For more information call 907-789-0139.
Located down town Sitka, a lovely garden surrounds the Pioneer home, enjoyable to visitors and residents alike.
The Forest Muskegs trail is a 1.25 mile barrier free trail (maximum 12% grade) with a self guiding brochure that has information about the natural and cultural history of this area. The Mosquito Cove trail (1.5 miles long) provides an opportunity to hike along Starrigavan Bay and Mosquito Cove in the coastal spruce and hemlock forest. Old Sitka State Historic Site is located within walking distance of the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal and the US Forest Service Starrigavan Campground.
The Forest Muskegs trail is a 1.25 mile barrier free trail (maximum 12% grade) with a self guiding brochure that has information about the natural and cultural history of this area. The Mosquito Cove trail (1.5 miles long) provides an opportunity to hike along Starrigavan Bay and Mosquito Cove in the coastal spruce and hemlock forest. Old Sitka State Historic Site is located within walking distance of the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal and the US Forest Service Starrigavan Campground.
