Garden Photo of the Day

Gardening in Alaska, Part 2

Revisiting a beautiful northern garden

By GPOD Contributor
close up of pink lilies next to small white flowers

We’re back today visiting with Susie Zimmerman in her beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska, garden.

stone garden path cutting through densely planted garden beds
The garden beds are planted densely and are overflowing with flowers. Just because you garden in a cold climate doesn’t mean you can’t have incredible gardens.

hand doing work in a new sloped garden bed
Susie calls her husband “the Undergardener. He’s contributed a lot of hard work in the creation of these beautiful gardens.

aerial view of garden beds and small garden pond
And wow, has that hard work paid off! Flowers are everywhere. In particular, notice the towering blue spires of delphiniums (Delphinium elatum, Zones 3–7) you can see in the back of the beds. It is possible to grow delphiniums in many climates, but they reach their peak in the very cool summers in places like Alaska.

three moose in the garden in winter
Moose visiting in the winter are browsing for something to eat. They are just as annoying as deer, only bigger!

rock garden with various low-growing plants
A rock garden is full of interesting plants as well as interesting rocks.

plants with small white and purple flowers
Shades of white, silver, and pink make a soft, romantic cloud of bloom.

close up of Russian arborvitae growing over a garden pond
Russian arborvitae (Microbiota decussata, Zones 3–7) tumbles beautifully over the edge of the pond. This low-growing conifer is native to Siberia and so takes the Alaskan winters in stride.

view of garden from balcony of house
Looking down from the house at the beautiful gardens

close up of pink lilies next to small white flowers
Lilies (Lilium hybrid, Zones 3–8) in the most romantic possible shade of delicate pink.

 

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Comments

  1. User avater
    treasuresmom 05/02/2023

    So very lovely!

  2. MohawkValley 05/02/2023

    Absolutely beautiful ! The more we grow , the more we grow!

    It is almost an addiction --- and certainly not a shameful one. Keep up the great work --- it always pays off , and then WE get to enjoy the fruits of YOUR labor . We , of course , have to settle for pictures but there's no shame in that either.

    I do believe someone will be motivated by your gardens . I refuse to believe that no one will plant SOMETHING in response to viewing your property .

    Be proud --- you BOTH deserve it . Peace from the Mohawk Valley in central New York State .

  3. user-7392754 05/02/2023

    Thank you for sharing your amazing gardens and house!!! What a gorgeous place you have created!!!

  4. cynthia2020 05/02/2023

    ...so many gorgeous views! I know it took a lot of planning and hard work. Thank you for sharing.

  5. btucker9675 05/02/2023

    Again - just WOW!!! Your under-gardener is worth every penny you pay him... : ) Everything is perfection.

    1. SusieZ 05/04/2023

      Y'know, I thought I was engaging the Undergardener to tend to the hardscape and heavy lifting. But one year when I was kvetching about not having any space suitable for growing the fabulous Dr. Seus-acle angelica gigas he had the temerity to suggest about 4 potential locations! Pretty cheeky, for an undergardener (but he was right). Yeah, if I paid him he'd be worth it for sure.

  6. User avater
    simplesue 05/02/2023

    I've heard about Delphiniams growing as tall as your's but never seen them before- wow- spectacular!
    I also love the Bell Flowers along your path!
    I just love your Alaskan garden!

  7. sheila_schultz 05/02/2023

    Another smile inducing photo display of your robust Alaskan gardens, thank you for letting us peek into your world! You both must get so much joy from your property and gardens during your incredible summers, we all understand the hard work it takes to create such beauty. Thanks for the quick tour, it was so much fun!

  8. jos29803 05/03/2023

    5 Star job!!!! Enjoy your beautiful gardens and thank you for sharing.

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