Spring is here and your Anchorage Public Library is here to help you get the growing season off to a great start, and help you along the way to a fruitful summer growing season. Join us for a variety of activities on all things growing in Alaska.
Seed Libraries
Visit the Mountain View and Gerrish seed libraries to jump-start your garden. Stop by to get free non-GMO, organic, and some heirloom varieties of seeds for flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Available while supplies last. Mountain View Library offers trade or take options, for folks with a few extra seeds they’d like to share. Special thanks to the Girdwood Library Boosters for supporting the Gerrish seed library.
In-Person Programs
Growing Together All-Ages Gardening Series
Seed Starting at the Muldoon Library
Thursday , May 2 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Seed Starting at the Loussac Library
Friday , May 3 12 AM - 1:30 PM
Seed Starting at the Mountain View Library
Wednesday, May 8 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Seed Starting at the Gerrish Library
Friday , May 10 3 - 4 PM
Seed Starting at the Chugiak-Eagle River Library
Wednesday , May 15 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Seed Starting at Anchorage Museum - Lunch on the Lawn
Tuesday , June 11 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Seed Starting at Anchorage Museum - Lunch on the Lawn
Tuesday , June 25 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Community Compost
If you’re a customer of Solid Waste Services you can register for their curbside compost program! Register NOW by calling SWS Customer Service at 907-343-6250.
The Curbside Compost program will begin May 1st and run through September 30th.
New this year are two pilot programs Workplace Composting and Neighborhood Compost Depots. Follow the link below for more information and to apply for programs.
Free finished compost pickup will not be available in 2023. Community members are encouraged to check out local resources for finished compost from places like Alaska Mill and Feed, Bell's Nursery, Southside Garden Supply, American Landscaping, Susitna Organics, and more.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension offers information on how to compost here.
Gardening Programs in our Communtiy
The library isn't the only place to learn about gardening! Check out these amazing community programs and classes taking place all over Anchorage.
Weeds and Wildflowers at the Chugiak Eagle River Library
Tuesday , April 30 4 PM - 5 PM
Visit the Chugiak-Eagle River Library to discover interesting differences between weeds and wildflowers with the education team from Alaska Botanical Gardens!
Alaska Native Plant Nurseries Webinar
Wednesday , May 1 12 PM - 1 PM
Having a hard time sourcing native plants for your yard? Want to see disturbed lands replanted with native species? Join this webinar to learn from experts from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Knik Tribal Conservation District, and the Anchorage Soil & Water Conservation District about their recent efforts to increase the supply of native plants in Alaska. Find out what they are growing and how they aim to support Tribes, local communities, and public lands.
Native Plant Restoration Projects Webinar
Wednesday , May 8 12 PM - 1 PM
The development of public and private lands in Alaska often has had the unintended consequence of spreading invasive species and degrading fish and wildlife habitat. But we can change that. Join this webinar to hear inspiring stories from project leaders at the Alaska Community Foundation, the Chugach National Forest and the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition who are using native plants to restore local ecosystems.
Native Plant Gardens in Alaska Webinar
Wednesday , May 15 12 PM - 1 PM
In Alaska and around the world, gardening with native plants is growing in popularity. But where to begin? This is your chance to learn from the caretakers of several public native plant gardens in Southcentral Alaska where you can find a diverse array of plants, from vibrant wildflowers to traditional edible and medicinal species. Our speakers will introduce you to some of the native plants in their gardens, share what they’ve learned, and take your questions.
Pacific Region Garden Club Convention
Wednesday , August 21 - 23
Gardening Community Calendar
Check out other workshops, classes and programs happening in our community. This collaborative calendar shows events from all over Anchorage sponsored by several organizations and is updated regularly with new information.
Community Passport Program
Get out into the community and explore gardening groups and resources with the Community Passport program.
Work together as a group or venture out alone to collect stamps by completing gardening activities with participating organizations like the Anchorage Public Library, Anchorage Museum, Alaska Botanical Garden, and more. Get fifteen stamps to complete the challenge or go the distance and complete them all!
Passport copies can be picked up and finishers turned in at the following locations:
- Loussac Library (Passport Pickup Only)
- Anchorage Museum
- Alaska Botanical Garden
Thank you to the organizers of this program including Anchorage Public Library, Anchorage Museum, Alaska Botanical Garden, Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District, Anchor Gardens, Yarducopia, UAF Cooperative Extension Service Anchorage, and the Municipality of Anchorage's Solid Waste Services Department.
