Georgeson Botanical Gardens

The gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the public is welcome to come on in and wander around. Depending on the time of the year, visitors may see beautiful flowers, trees and shrub or giant vegetables. The best viewing is June through freeze-up in the fall.

The gardens are about 3 acres in size and have paths that wander through the flower garden, the boggy areas and the family food garden. Benches and bird baths are generously sprinkled into the mix. There are herb and cutting gardens, and a children's water garden.

[The photo  is from Alaska Gardening Guide,
a book on vegetable gardening in Alaska, 
published by Publications Consultants, 
© 2000 by Ann D. Roberts, all rights reserved.
Photo by Dr. Don Dinkel]

There is a modest $2 charge to support the gardens, and self guided tours, as well as paid ones are available.

Visitor Viewing
The Reindeer Research Program is dedicated to the development and promotion of the reindeer industry. Visitors can view the animals in an enclosed viewing area, along the fence bordering the road. During the summer, there is a guided tour of the gardens every Friday at 2 p.m.

For anyone who wants to learn more about the plants of Alaska and their uses, the gardens also offer classes throughout the summer. Charges for the classes vary depending on the subjects being taught, and most last a few hours.

July 17, 2000 there was a free day of classes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes taught by local 4H teens and volunteers were directed to grades K-8, but all were welcome. Other offerings that day were food concessions and a petting zoo. For info on future events, call Jan Hanscom, 474-6921  or Greg Simpson, 452-1530.

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