Southeast Alaska Master Gardeners Juneau Tour July 21 and July 22

As president of Southeast Alaska Master Gardeners it is my pleasure to invite you to our 2007 Garden Tour.

This is a fundraiser our group uses to raise money for scholarships for graduating seniors.  This also gives the public a real treat - an inside look into some of the most amazing gardens in our area.

Juneau is a tough climate for gardeners.  Last winter we received over 12 feet of snow and our yards looked pretty poor this spring when the snow finally melted in late April.  The heavy snow and ice really took a toll. 

Most of the spring and summer have been very wet and windy, and while not as bad as last year, it just doesn't seem like summer has found us.  We've had a few days in the 70's, but mostly it's like today, temperatures in the mid 50's, low clouds, and plenty of moisture.

In a good year, we still get 80 inches of precipitation.

People here rarely have to water the garden.  In fact, proper drainage is one of the most critical elements in garden planning.  Most vegetable gardeners use raised beds or containers. 

Due to the cost, expense and labor to build these raised beds, many people plant with the French Intensive Method, or the Square Foot Method, rather than in rows.

Our garden tour this year includes some very impressive gardens.  A few show digging in the dirt to be an obsession for the entire household. 

There is a special garden on tour this year that showcases the first year efforts of a special group of young men.  That garden is at the Johnson Youth Center, a long term detention facility.

 About 10 boys participated in the project.

They have two greenhouses, several raised beds for vegetables and flowers, and have planted a lawn where before, there was just nothing.

Monday, I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker for these kids.  I was amazed at how much they had learned about gardening in such a short time.  Several expressed interest in participating in a Junior Master Gardening Program, and I think I'd like to participate.

2-4 hours per week of my time could make a difference. 

I haven't discussed this with my husband yet... I know he will have concerns for my safety.  After all, it is a prison.  A youth prison.  But we are talking about KIDS.

The photos you see in this blog are not of gardens on the tour.  I really don't want to spoil the surprise!

Tickets are $10 per day or $15 for both days and can be purchased at Hearthside Books downtown, or in the Nugget Mall.