PUBLIC GARDENS
IN SOUTH CENTRAL ALASKA

THE MATANUSKA  VALLEY  AGRICULTURAL   SHOWCASE

Located next to the Palmer Visitors Center, this garden 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.

ALASKA  STATE  FAIRGROUNDS

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.

PRATT MUSEUM

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.

CHUGACH  STATE  PARK / CHUGACH  NATIONAL  FOREST

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!

PIONEER  PARK,  SOLDOTNA

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.