Road Trip Garden-Alaska Botanical Garden

Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska Botanical Garden-a garden full of rugged beauty and the occasional bear…

But seriously, folks, visitors are warned repeatedly about moose and bears-a way of life in the land of the “midnight sun.” And speaking of that midnight sun…my visit just happened to be during the summer solstice, where indeed, there is light 24/7…albeit a dusk-like light, but nonetheless, a day without “night.” An Anchorage tradition is to hike to the top of Flattop Mountain before midnight for the official summer solstice, where a trampoline and costumed locals welcome the longest day of the year.

(You can’t make this stuff up!) Getting Air Above The Summit on The Solstice | INDIE ALASKA

If hiking up a rocky mountainside or jumping on a trampoline three thousand feet up at midnight isn’t your preferred method of taking in the local flora and fauna, the Alaska Botanical Garden, with its relatively flat terrain and reasonable visiting hours will not disappoint.

Set amid 110 acres of Boreal Forest, ABG showcases local and nationally recognized artists, as well as diverse plants. Creative plantings and gardens include rock and herb gardens, a perennial garden, the Anchorage Heritage Garden, and the Lile’s Garden. Over 350 species of specialized alpine plants thrive in the zone 3a-4b growing conditions. The most unique aspect of gardening in Alaska, besides dealing with bears and moose, isn’t so much the temperatures, but the amount of daylight; up to 19 hours of light during the summer, versus five in the winter. The growing season typically spans from mid-March to mid-September.

Paeonia anomala peonies above, and pasque flowers, Pulsatilla patens (below left)

and P. vulgaris ‘Rote Glocke’ (below right)

ABG is host to an APGA Accredited Meconopsis Collection.  Himalayan poppies are best known for the blue variety, but other colors, like red, are part of the collection.

What I love about this garden;

-Incredible collection of alpine plants.

-Great art and creative plantings throughout the garden.

-Annuals that grow twice as big as those in the lower 48 states.

-Gift shop with unique gifts, not BG cookie-cutter.

-Super friendly staff.

-Free parking and inexpensive admission rates.

-BLUE Himalayan poppies…Need I say more?

Know before you go;

-Check the website for hours, which vary considerably depending on the season.

-Visitors are warned repeatedly about bears and moose. Wandering off alone is not advised. Do not bring food beyond the Nursery. ABG staff are trained for the occurrence of a bear in the Garden and equipped with bear spray.

-Mosquito repellent is recommended. The Garden also has complimentary bug repellent available for guests.

-Dress for the weather.

-ABG does not sell food or beverages on site. As a safety precaution, food and open beverages are allowed only in the front plaza area. Picnic tables in the plaza area can accommodate small groups and are available for guest use on a first-come/first-served basis.

-Each garden within the grounds is accessible via the half-mile-long paved loop.

-Free parking.

-Admission rates vary; check the website. As of this post, summer rates are $14.

Quick Facts

-Size-110 acres

-Opened July 1993

-Year-round events, including winter light festivals.

-Distance from St. Louis-3852 miles. Pack some snacks!

See Alaska Botanical Garden for more information.

-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2025, All rights reserved.