Alaska’s Botanical Garden is an Oasis of Beauty, Conservation and Community

By: Sophie Rae Frost, Marketing & Design Associate, Alaska Botanical Garden

Nestled on 110 acres at the eastern edge of Anchorage, the Alaska Botanical Garden stands as a testament to the state's unique horticultural heritage. Established in 1986, ABG has evolved over nearly four decades into a sanctuary celebrating the beauty and value of Alaska's gardens and natural areas through science, education and recreation, all while emphasizing organic and sustainable practices.

Lile's Garden: A Celebration of Peonies

One of the premier features is Lile's Garden, a meticulously designed space that showcases a variety of perennials suited to Southcentral Alaska's climate. Named in honor of Lile Bernard Rasmuson, Lile’s Garden (rhymes with “smiles”) is home to an American Peony Society Gold Medal Peony collection, featuring cultivars renowned for their beauty and resilience.

Nationally Accredited Meconopsis Collection

ABG's dedication to horticultural excellence is further exemplified by its Nationally Accredited Meconopsis Collection. After years of research and preparation, the garden received accreditation from the Plant Collections Network and the American Public Gardens Association for this collection. Although not part of the accredited collection, the vibrant ‘Big blue’ hybrid poppies belong to the same genus Meconopsis. This recognition underscores ABG's commitment to maintaining high standards in plant conservation and education.

In addition to the Garden’s renowned collections, visitors can also explore themed gardens and trails such as:

Herb Garden: Exhibits a diverse collection of culinary and medicinal herbs.
Rock Garden: Features plants adapted to high-altitude conditions.
Verna Pratt Wildflower Trail: Dedicated to Alaska's native wildflowers in honor of Verna Pratt, who contributed greatly to the establishment of ABG and wrote several books on Alaska’s flora and fauna.
Lowenfels-Hoersting Family Nature Trail: Offers an immersive boreal forest experience.

Envisioning the Future

Looking ahead, ABG aims to expand public education to further position itself as a year-round destination in Southcentral Alaska for those passionate about plants, gardening, and the arts.

Plans include:

Enhanced Collections: Extend trails to lead guests through a rich assortment of Alaska and circumpolar plant collections, incorporating art for inspiration in all seasons.
Visitor Center: A uniquely Alaska facility providing space for educational programs, meetings, events and community gatherings.
Children’s Garden: Create an interactive outdoor environment to provide opportunities for learning and playful exploration through hands-on experiences with plants and the natural world.

Engaging the Community

ABG offers a variety of programs and events to engage the community:

Educational Programs: Year-round field trips and classroom visits tailored for students and educators.
Workshops and Conferences: Events like the Spring Garden Conference provide learning opportunities for gardening enthusiasts.
Seasonal Events: Programs such as Brighter Winter Nights offer unique experiences during the winter months.
Fun for All Ages: The Garden is always free for children aged 6 and under, but also offers 21+ events featuring local breweries, wine houses and food trucks.

Whether you're a lifelong Alaskan or a visitor seeking to explore the state's natural beauty, the Alaska Botanical Garden offers a tranquil retreat to connect with nature, learn about subarctic horticulture, and participate in a community dedicated to sustainable practices. Experience the splendor of Alaska's flora and become part of a growing legacy that honors the past while cultivating a vibrant future.

Plan Your Visit

ABG is located at 4601 Campbell Airstrip Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507. The garden is open year-round, with varying hours for different programs and events. For the most current information on admission rates, event schedules, and visitor guidelines, please visit the official website at www.alaskabg.org, or contact the garden directly at (907) 770-3692 or garden@alaskabg.org.