Upcoming Events & Workshops
Garden Planning for Success- Feb 2nd and 9th
Alaska's gardening season is short and intense! Learn how ABG makes the most of our limited season by creating a growing plan and stocking up on supplies in advance. We'll talk about ideal timelines for starting different plants, succession planning, and ABG's system for week-to-week seeding, up-potting, and transplanting that takes the guesswork out of springtime so you can hit the ground running as soon as the soil thaws.
This is a two-day class; no single day registrations as the second class builds on what was discussed in the first. All participants will receive a garden planning workbook packet and will complete a personal week-by-week garden plan to start the season off right!
Monday, February 2nd- We'll start making some decisions about what you want to grow, how much you need, and how you're going to source it. Tools, supplies, and maintenance tasks that will become part of our garden plans will also be discussed.
Monday, February 9th- We'll use your personal growing and maintenance lists to create a week-by-week plan for seed starting, planting, garden maintenance, and fall clean-up.
There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.
Sustainable Beekeeping in Alaska
Join local beekeeping expert, Tim Huffman, for an overview of the gear and methods used to keep your colonies thriving summer and winter, year after year. You'll learn principles of sustainable beekeeping in Alaska, colony development, fall feeding timing and strategies, and winter prep timing and strategies.
Cancellation Policy: $2 cancellation fee for all refund requests; no refunds within 48 hours of class.
Indoor Seed Starting
This is a detailed introduction to seed starting, great for beginners or intermediate growers looking to improve their success with starting seeds indoors. Participants will sow their own 4-packs of mixed herbs to continue growing at home. Topics discussed will include:
Where to buy seeds and which ones to choose
How to store seeds to maximize their shelf life and improve germination rates
Figuring out when to start which seeds
How to get strong, even germination with high success rates
How to take care of seedlings after they germinate
Troubleshooting problems like leggy seedlings, yellow leaves, and fungus gnats
A $2 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations. No refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.
Tool Sharpening Workshop
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.
Space is limited, register in advance. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations; no refunds within 48 hours of class.
Nest Fest: Egg Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate the diversity of birds in Alaska at Nest Fest: Egg Scavenger Hunt on Friday, April 17th from 12:00 - 6:00pm! 🪺
Spring is officially here and many of our state's bird species (both year-round and migratory) will begin finding mates and making nests for the next generation 🐣 Families will roam the Garden looking for hidden eggs that reveal fun facts about Alaska’s birds. Activity takes approximately 1 hour to complete (ongoing between 12:00 - 6:00pm). Representatives from Bird TLC will also be here to help educate families on the importance of migratory birds!
$5 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
Storytime in the Garden
Join us twice a month on Wednesdays for an interactive storytime as we read, sing, dance and move our bodies! The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place outside rain or shine (bring a blanket to sit on). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $14 for Non-Members, $10 for Students/Seniors/Military.
Storytime in the Garden
Join us twice a month on Wednesdays for an interactive storytime as we read, sing, dance and move our bodies! The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place outside rain or shine (bring a blanket to sit on). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $14 for Non-Members, $10 for Students/Seniors/Military.
International Mud Day
Mud Day at the Garden!
International Mud Day is a nationally recognized day to get messy, play in nature and appreciate the soil beneath our feet! We’ll have toys & sand boxes, exploding mud art, and more mud-themed activities!
What to bring:
- sunscreen
- water bottle
- swimsuit and layers to be ready for any weather
- fresh clothes for your kiddos to change into after the event
- snacks are welcome, but must be consumed in the Nursery for bear safety
Admission Rates (paid at entry):
FREE - members & kids age 6 and under
$14 - non-members
$10 - students/seniors/military
Storytime in the Garden
Join us twice a month on Wednesdays for an interactive storytime as we read, sing, dance and move our bodies! The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place outside rain or shine (bring a blanket to sit on). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $14 for Non-Members, $10 for Students/Seniors/Military.
Storytime in the Garden
Join us twice a month on Wednesdays for an interactive storytime as we read, sing, dance and move our bodies! The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place outside rain or shine (bring a blanket to sit on). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $14 for Non-Members, $10 for Students/Seniors/Military.
Storytime in the Garden
Join us twice a month on Wednesdays for an interactive storytime as we read, sing, dance and move our bodies! The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place outside rain or shine (bring a blanket to sit on). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $14 for Non-Members, $10 for Students/Seniors/Military.
Storytime in the Garden
Join us twice a month on Wednesdays for an interactive storytime as we read, sing, dance and move our bodies! The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place outside rain or shine (bring a blanket to sit on). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $14 for Non-Members, $10 for Students/Seniors/Military.
Image Transfer Print Workshop
Image transfers are a great way to use images in your mixed media art. Explore a variety of methods to transfer a laser jet photo or image to wood, paper, and fabric. Use ribbon, markers, stamps, tissue paper, and rubbing plates to make prints and add detail to your designs. Taught by local artist Betany Porter.
There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations; no refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.
Soil Health
Soil health, do you have it and how do you get it? Join Ellen VandeVisse, with Good Earth Garden School, for a workshop on practical strategies to optimize soil health for the next growing season. Learn how to recognize nutrient deficiencies, collect soil samples & choose a soil test lab. Participants will also measure and mix their own foliar nutrient spray and learn how to apply it to crops when needed.
There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations; no refunds with less than 48 hours notice.
Garden Planning for Success- Feb 2nd and 9th
Alaska's gardening season is short and intense! Learn how ABG makes the most of our limited season by creating a growing plan and stocking up on supplies in advance. We'll talk about ideal timelines for starting different plants, succession planning, and ABG's system for week-to-week seeding, up-potting, and transplanting that takes the guesswork out of springtime so you can hit the ground running as soon as the soil thaws.
This is a two-day class; no single day registrations as the second class builds on what was discussed in the first. All participants will receive a garden planning workbook packet and will complete a personal week-by-week garden plan to start the season off right!
Monday, February 2nd- We'll start making some decisions about what you want to grow, how much you need, and how you're going to source it. Tools, supplies, and maintenance tasks that will become part of our garden plans will also be discussed.
Monday, February 9th- We'll use your personal growing and maintenance lists to create a week-by-week plan for seed starting, planting, garden maintenance, and fall clean-up.
There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.
Home Landscape Design- 3 Day Class (Day 3)
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, January 15th, January 22nd and January 29th. 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.
Home Landscape Design- 3 Day Class (Day 2)
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, January 15th, January 22nd and January 29th. 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.
Soy Wax Candle Making
Join us in a candle-making experience that combines fun, relaxation, creativity, and quality time. Our host, Get Scent, offers a blend of artistic craft using high-quality materials (natural soy wax) and carefully selected scents to create an enjoyable atmosphere. Personalize your 12oz candle from curating your own scents from our current Scents Menu, picking your Aura jars and designing your candle labels.
All materials are included as well as some snacks and fun activities to entertain you while you wait for your candle to dry!
There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.
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, January 15th, January 22nd and January 29th. 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.
Beginner Ice Carving (ages 16+)
Join local artist Tommy 'Salami' O'Malley (in collaboration with the Girdwood Arts Institute) for a beginners workshop on ice carving (suitable for ages 16+). Participants will learn about properties of ice, carving techniques, and tool safety. Each participant will receive step-by-step instructions to carve one 10’’ x 10’’ block of ice and all necessary tools. No prior experience is necessary; come and learn a new hobby or skill!
Space is limited; please register ahead of time to secure a spot. Due to high demand, this class will offered twice (December 13th and January 10th). Participants will need to bring a set of warm waterproof gloves and appropriate clothing for standing outside for approximately 2 hours as they carve (workshop takes place completely outside).
What to bring to stay warm and dry!
Dress for winter! Wear layers, winter boots and a winter hat.
Insulated rubber gloves under winter gloves or mittens, or even plastic bags worn over mittens, will help to keep you dry and warm.
Extra gloves and mittens (to replace wet ones)
Hand warmers
Sunglasses or protective goggles
Drinking water, snack, and anything else you may need to stay warm
Kids Beginner Ice Carving (ages 8-15)
Join local artist Tommy 'Salami' O'Malley (in collaboration with the Girdwood Arts Institute) for a kid friendly ice carving workshop (recommended for kids ages 8-15). Participants will learn about the basics of ice carving and how to safely use hand tools while creating a fun seasonal ice sculpture to take home. Each participant must be accompanied by an adult (you do not need to buy a separate ticket).
Space is limited; please register ahead of time to secure a spot. Due to high demand this class will be offered twice (December 13th and January 10th). Participants will need to bring a set of warm waterproof gloves and appropriate clothing for standing outside for approximately 2 hours as they carve (workshop takes place completely outside).
What to bring to stay warm and dry!
Dress for winter! Wear layers, winter boots and a winter hat.
Insulated rubber gloves under winter gloves or mittens, or even plastic bags worn over mittens, will help to keep you dry and warm.
Extra gloves and mittens (to replace wet ones)
Hand warmers
Sunglasses or protective goggles
Drinking water, snack, and anything else you may need to stay warm
Garden Storytime: “The Shortest Day” by Susan Cooper
Join us in the Garden for a different story every week. This December we will celebrate winter and all of the joys of the coming season! Come dance, sing and listen to new stories with us. December 29th’s book will be “The Shortest Day” by Susan Cooper.
This reading will take place inside our heated Greenhouse. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will venture outside if weather permits.
$8 per person, FREE for members & children ages 6 and under (pay at Admissions).
