Upcoming Events & Workshops
Watercolor Journals
Wildflowers have begun blooming at the Alaska Botanical Garden! Spring blooms are the perfect subject matter for sketching and journaling with watercolors. Celebrate the change of seasons while painting outside in the Lower Perennial Garden and Rock Garden. Explore watercolor techniques, color matching, layering, and shading while capturing botanical nature notes in your watercolor journal. This workshop is great for beginners and experienced artists alike. Materials kit included. This class will be taught outside, please dress for the weather (light gloves and layers are encouraged). Taught by local artist Betany Porter.
Online resgistration ends at 11:59am on May 23rd. Please call the office if you are trying to sign up on the day of, 907-770-3692. There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations; due to the cost of kit materials there is no refund for cancellations requested with less than 48 hours notice.
Bilingual Storytime: “Das Glück der kleinen Dinge”
Join us Mondays in May for bilingual storytime as we read in a new language and move our bodies! May 26th’s story will be in German and is “Happiness With the Small Things” by Maria Cappello.
This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$7 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
This 60-minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place out on the lawn space. In case of rain, the class will be moved inside of the Greenhouse.
Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.
Biography:
Christina Wilson acquired her 200 hr-RYT in Rishikesh, India. She was trained by Himalayan yoga master Yogrishi Vishvektu, PhD., in Hatha yoga. Christina is Yoga Alliance certified. Christina's yoga teaching style incorporates meditation, mantra, asana, chakra & breath work. She has been working in the Anchorage community in private practice as a trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for 10 years and also recently acquired her certification as a Registered Expressive Art Therapist (REAT); she incorporates a strong mind+body awareness and connection into her teaching style both on and off the mat.
Tai Chi at the Garden
Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Qi Gong breathing exercises. You'll practice the Yang Style 24-movement Tai Chi with an emphasis on balance, both physical and mental. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.
Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.
Summer Storytime: “Mama, Do You Love Me?”
Join us this summer for a different story every month. This summer we are highlighting local Alaskan authors. June 11th’s story will be “Mama, do you love me?” by Barbara Joosse. Illustrator, Barbara Lavalee, will be here to read the story to us!
This story will take place outside on our lawn. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
$14 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi Sun style class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Sun style movements, much quieter than Yang style, with an emphasis on weight transfer, balance, center of gravity, and understanding one’s surroundings. It’s designed to help minimize trips and falls and are easier movements for anyone with arthritis and stiff joints. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.
Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.
Solstice Blooms
Celebrate the longest day of the year with Solstice Blooms, an Alaskan-inspired botanical art workshop hosted by Artscape Workshops.
Join Artscape Workshops and our very own horticulturist who will share insight into the unique flowers blooming in our region. Then, we’ll ease into the creative process with playful warm-up exercises designed to help you loosen up and explore expressive floral shapes.
Using using the garden as inspiration, you’ll create your own mixed media compositions with high-quality materials including watercolors, artist crayons, watercolor pencils, and acrylic markers.
This workshop is perfect for all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, come with a curious mind and a love for blooms. All materials provided.
There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds given for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice.
Tai Chi at the Garden
Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Qi Gong breathing exercises. You'll practice the Yang Style 24-movement Tai Chi with an emphasis on balance, both physical and mental. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.
Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.
Ink Drawing Alpine Plants
Learn drawing techniques using pen and ink to observe and sketch alpine wildflowers in the Rock Garden at ABG. You'll learn different line drawing techniques including crosshatching, stipple, brillo, and contour. Participants will also learn to use brush tip alcohol markers to layer and add color to drawings. This workshop takes place outdoors. Class content is perfect for beginners and seasoned artists. All materials are included. This class takes place outside. Bring along a camping chair to sit on, clothing layers for sun, cold or rain, hat and gloves. There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds given with less than 48 hours notice.
Betany Porter is a local artist, curator, and interdisciplinary museum educator. She received her MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago in Painting and Drawing.
Mud Day!
Friday, June 27th from 12:00 - 3:00pm!
FREE - members & kids age 6 and under
$14 - non-members
$10 - students/seniors/military
Admission paid at entry
Susitna Sunrise Painted Pots
It's planting season! Come paint with us and take home a flower pot to adorn your porch or windowsill. Using a classic tan plate, participants will choose from a variety of scenes, Susitna mountain scene, wildflowers, garden gnomes or mushrooms, to paint on a terracotta pot (flower will be included). This class is excellent for beginners and seasoned painters alike. This particular piece was created for the Alaska Botanical Garden. All materials will be provided. You must register in advance. A $5 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations; no refunds given with less than 48 hours notice.
Stephanie Leigh Buen believes in continually creating and attempts to constantly challenge herself to new designs. Stephanie is a local painter, actress, and art instructor. Initially self taught, she has been learning as an artist for over twenty years. She has taught art lessons for prior venues such as Kaleidoscape, The Alaska Fine Arts Academy, and currently runs art workshops for Raven Homeschool. She took over Palette just over a year ago and loves watching others create as much as she loves creating art for herself. She truly believes everyone has some form of artistic talent within them, and it is a joy helping nourish that passion in others.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Join Tai Chi instructor, Richie Goldstein, for an hour-long Tai Chi Sun style class. This low impact, mind-body practice will begin with a short warm up followed by a series of Sun style movements, much quieter than Yang style, with an emphasis on weight transfer, balance, center of gravity, and understanding one’s surroundings. It’s designed to help minimize trips and falls and are easier movements for anyone with arthritis and stiff joints. Class will be held outside on our lawn, no equipment needed just comfortable clothes and shoes. This class is for all levels. Class size is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.
Richie Goldstein began studying Tai Chi in 1996 with Sifu Warren Pretlow at the Healing Arts Studio here in Anchorage. For the past twelve years, he’s studied with Dao Shima Susan Elkins at Jade Lady Studio.
Bilingual Storytime: “Un árbol — un amigo, un bosque — una familia”
Join us Mondays in May for bilingual storytime as we read in a new language and move our bodies! May 19th’s story will be in Spanish and is “A tree — a friend, a forest — a family” by author unknown” by author unknown.
This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$7 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
No-Dig Gardening with Charles Dowding
Join English horticulturist and author, Charles Dowding, for an evening presentation on No-Dig Gardening
Thursday, May 15th | 6:00 - 8:00pm | UAA Rasmuson Hall
$15 for Alaska Master Gardeners Anchorage members
$35 for non-AMGA members
Questions? Please email askamg@alaskamastergardeners.org
Wildflower ID Class: 4-Day Field Course
This workshop is full. Register to be added to the waitlist.
Ever wonder what those beautiful flowering plants growing along your favorite hiking trails are? Have you ever thought to yourself "Can I eat that?" If you are frequently asking these questions, then you'll want to join ABG for a hands-on field botany class with Dr. Marilyn Barker.
Learn about local plants, their identification, and uses. Class meets on Wednesdays in May and June (May 14th, 21st, 28th, and June 4th), from 6:00-9:00pm.
This is a 4-day course; no single-day registration. Pre-registration is required. $10 cancellation fee applies. No refunds for cancellations less than 7 days from the date of the class. In such cases, please consider your payment a donation to the Garden. Call the Garden at 907-770-3692 with questions. Class fee does not include field trip transportation or optional books and supplies.
Class Schedule and Locations: (class schedule subject to change)
Wednesday, May 14th: Alaska Botanical Garden 6:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday, May 21st: Field Class (meet at Rainbow Trailhead) 6:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday, May 28th: Field Class (meet at Baxter Bog) 6:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday, June 4th: Field Class (meet at Glen Alps parking lot) 6:00pm-9:00pm
Bilingual Storytime: “Quyana Spirit”
Join us Mondays in May for bilingual storytime as we read in a new language and move our bodies! May 12th’s story will be in Yupik and is “Quyana Spirit” by Apay'uq Moore. This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Mother's Day
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Garden with plant & art activities, coffee & treats, and live music for the whole family!
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under!
Plant Sales Kickoff
ABG’s summer plant sale begins Saturday, May 10th | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Shop perennials, annuals, plugs, divisions, and more May 10th - mid September (until supplies last)!
Online plant sales will begin Thursday, May 15th at 10:00am through the Online Shop.
Grab a treat from AK Wildflour, who will be on site selling their baked goods on Saturday!
Members! Start shopping an hour early on May 10th at 9:00am!
+ Get 10% off plant purchases!
+ Please bring your membership card and confirm your membership is up to date.
Bilingual Storytime: “Bertille la Chenille Qui Devint Papillon”
Join us Mondays in May for bilingual storytime as we read in a new language and move our bodies! May 5th’s story will be in French and is “Bertille the Caterpillar Who Became a Butterfly” by Peggy Pâquerette and Claudine Gévry. This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Sustainable Beekeeping in Alaska
This class is an overview of the gear and methods used to keep my colonies thriving summer and winter, year after year.
Local beekeeping expert, Tim Huffman, will cover the following material:
The principles of sustainable beekeeping in Alaska
Colony development
Taking advantage of the swarming impulse to make your own queens (and additional colonies)
Fall feeding timing and strategies
Winter prep timing and strategies
Class meets at the BP Energy Center, Alder/Cottonwood room, located at 1014 Energy Ct, Anchorage, AK 99508.
Online registration closes April 29th at 11:55pm. If you are trying to register the day of, please contact the office at 907-770-3692.
Cancellation Policy: $2 cancellation for all refund requests; no refunds within 48 hours of class.
Spring Storytime: “My Garden”
Join us Mondays in April for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! April 28th’s story is “My Garden” by Kevin Henkes This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Spring Storytime: “The Tiny Seed”
Join us Mondays in April for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! April 21st’s story is “The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Midtown Mall Spring Garden Show
Welcome Spring in Anchorage with the Midtown Mall Annual Spring Garden Show & Craft Bazaar!
Come visit ABG at the Spring Garden Show at the Midtown Mall. The main hallway will be FULL of plants, garden art and décor, seeds and info from various groups, clubs, nonprofits and Alaskan businesses! Bring the kids to plant a free marigold to take home! Also, check out the corresponding Craft Show, featuring 30+ local artisans and crafters with one-of-a-kind, Alaskan-made items! This event will take place in Units 120 (formerly GCI), 133 (next to LensCrafters) & 157 (right across the hall).
Nest Fest: Egg Scavenger Hunt
Spring is officially here and many of our bird species (both year-round and migratory) will begin finding mates and making nests for the next generation. April 18th from 12-6:00pm come and celebrate the diversity of birds we get to see here in Alaska. Families will roam the Garden on a scavenger hunt looking for hidden eggs that reveal fun facts about these birds.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members.
Spring Storytime: “First Peas to the Table”
Join us Mondays in April for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! April 14th’s story is “First Peas to the Table” by Susan Grigsby. This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Anchorage Home Show: Day 2
ABG Seeks Vendors!
In partnership with the Anchorage Home Show
April 12th & 13th | Alaska Airlines Center
Landscapers, gardening professionals, artists, horticulturists, crafters, bakers, gardening clubs, greenhouse owners, photographers, and more! If your business is local, sustainable, or environmental — we’d love to hear from you!
Advertise your business to over 3,000 attendees!
The first 30 vendors to register are eligible for a FREE space at Spring Garden Conference on April 30th!
Workshop Schedule: Sunday, April 13th
11:00am Succession Planning
12:00pm Gardening 101
1:00pm Growing Microgreens
2:00pm Composting 101
3:00pm Tips & Tricks for Growing Great Veggies
Anchorage Home Show: Day 1
ABG Seeks Vendors!
In partnership with the Anchorage Home Show
April 12th & 13th | Alaska Airlines Center
Landscapers, gardening professionals, artists, horticulturists, crafters, bakers, gardening clubs, greenhouse owners, photographers, and more! If your business is local, sustainable, or environmental — we’d love to hear from you!
Advertise your business to over 3,000 attendees!
The first 30 vendors to register are eligible for a FREE space at Spring Garden Conference on April 30th!
Workshop Schedule: Saturday, April 12th
11:00am Perennial vs. Annuals
12:00pm Tips & Tricks for Growing Great Veggies
1:00pm Gardening 101
2:00pm Composting 101
3:00pm ABG Staff Picks For Your Garden
Spring Storytime: “A Gardener’s Alphabet”
Join us Mondays in April for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! April 7th’s story is “A Gardener’s Alphabet” by Mary Azarian. This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Winter Storytime: “Together a Forest”
Join us Mondays in March for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! March 31st story is “Together a Forest” by Roz MacLean. This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Winter Storytime: “Weeds Find a Way”
Join us Mondays in March for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! March 24th’s story is “Weeds Find a Way” by Cindy Jenson-Elliott. This story will take place outside by our fire pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Winter Storytime- The Bad Seed
Join us Mondays in March for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! March 10th story is “The Bad Seed” by Jory John. This story will take place outside by our fire-pit. Please dress for the weather. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members.
Seed & Garden Exchange
It’s time to start planning your garden!
Bring labeled seeds less than 3 years old and gently used gardening tools to swap with others!
Even if you don’t have any seeds or tools to bring, you’re still welcome to participate!
We will also have a fire, hot beverages, and a few workshops:
12:30pm - PermaWHAT?! What the heck is permaculture?
1:15pm - Backyard Composting in a Nutshell
2:00pm - TBD (possibly seed starting)
Family Scavenger Hunt
Gather the family and come celebrate the last full moon of winter, the Worm Moon! Families will use UV flashlights to look for clues in the Garden to decipher a secret message. This event takes place outside so dress for the weather. All clues will be along our 1/2 mile paved loop.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members and kids 7 and up.
Garden Tool Sharpening
Let's get to the point! Sharp garden tools make your work faster, safer, and more efficient. Bring your old, dull shovels, hoes, and pruners and learn a quick-and-dirty way to get them back in shape. We'll also share the ABG Horticulture Team's favorite tools while we get ready for the 2025 season! Participants will take home their own 8-inch dual-sided file and a carbide sharpening tool so they can keep their tools sharp for years to come.
You must register ahead of time; $2 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations. No refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.
Family Plant Trivia Night
Join the ABG Education team for a fun night of Plant Trivia for the whole family. Questions are designed for ages 7 and up and were created by the Education and Horticulture staff. This is a multi-generational trivia night. We will have 3 rounds of questions with themes related to, you guessed it, plants! Limit 5 people on a team. Fun ABG swag goes to the winning team! We will provide light snacks and hot tea but feel free to bring your own food.
Trivia Night will take place in our heated Greenhouse. Space is limited; teams must sign up in advance. Choose your team name, grab a drink, get a snack and join us for a battle of the best plant minds!
$5/person for Members and $7/person for Non-Members
Winter Storytime- Rooting for You
Join us Mondays in March for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! March 10th story is “Rooting for You” by Susan Hood. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place in our heated Greenhouse (limited space inside; please plan to park your strollers outside). All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members.
Winter Storytime- Rachel’s Day in the Garden
Join us Mondays in March for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! March 3rd story is “Rachel’s Day in the Garden” by Giselle Shardlow. This week’s story will feature yoga movements. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place in our heated Greenhouse (limited space inside; please plan to park your strollers outside). All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members.
Hand Embroidery Workshop "Wildflowers"
The Wildflowers design by Landly AK is the perfect introduction to hand embroidery. In this class you will learn 6 stitches in a 4-hour period. All supplies are provided. You will go home with your piece, 5-inch hoop, size 5 needle and thread needed to complete your left-over work at home. This is a perfect beginner's class and is best fit 12 years and older.
You must register ahead of time; $5 cancellation applies to all cancellations. No refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.
Please keep in mind that embroidery is a slower craft and that it is possible you do not finish the piece completely before class is over.
Winter Storytime- The Little Plant Doctor
Join us Mondays in February for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! February 24th story is “The Little Plant Doctor” by Jean Marzollo. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place in our heated Greenhouse (limited space inside; please plan to park your strollers outside). All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members.
Brighter Winter Nights
Last Night!
Feb. 22nd ticket sales will take place upon entry at Admissions.
5:00 - 8:00pm
Last entry taken 30 minutes before close.
Brighter Winter Nights
Feb. 21st ticket sales will take place upon entry at Admissions.
5:00 - 8:00pm
Last entry taken 30 minutes before close.
Home Landscape Design 3-Day Class
Join local landscape architect, M. Elise Huggins, for a 3-day home landscape design class. You will learn the basics of design and how to apply them to your yard. Beginning with how to know your yard, the climate and micro-climate, existing plants and views and topography and neighbors and such, the discussion will go from understanding your site, to understanding your needs and finding opportunities and constraints that will help lead to a concept and way forward for designing your own landscape.
Class meets Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm, Feb. 20th, Feb. 27th and March 6th. This is a 3-day class no single day registrations. A $10 cancellation fee applies for all cancellations.
M. Elise Huggins has 40+ years of experience in design with over 40 years in Alaska. Elise has won numerous awards for her landscape architectural projects throughout Alaska. Elise is skilled at creating outdoor spaces that are safe and enjoyable. She has designed numerous residential landscapes and has gardened in her own gardens over the years and is an avid experimenter in both plant selection and garden layout. While Elise recognizes the incredible value in native plants (and holds a big disdain for invasives), she is a plant lover who tries many things.