Homer Alaska - News

Presentations by two nationally known gardening experts on Saturday and tours of at least six local gardens, followed by a reception at the Bear Creek Winery, on Sunday are on tap for the Homer Garden Club's annual Gardeners' Weekend.

All photos by Brenda Adams Rock soapwort, a lovely pink groundcover, spills over rocks in Kathy and Mike Pate's garden, which is on Sunday's garden tour. Above left, Asiatic lilies also are seen in the Pates' garden.

"With all of the interest in extending our garden season and producing food locally, the Homer Garden Club has invited speakers who will directly address these subjects. One speaker will focus on designing for year round ornamental gardens while the other will address extended season food production," say organizers of the Gardeners' Weekend in a press release.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Erica Glasener, who has hosted "A Gardener's Diary" for Home and Garden Television for 14 years, will draw examples from the many northern gardens she has visited. Her topic is "A Gardener's Diary — Designing the Year Round Garden." In addition to being a national TV personality, Glasener is a horticulturist and author.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, world famous organic gardener and author, Eliot Coleman, will present "The Out of Season Gardener" via live interactive satellite link. Coleman has more than 40 years experience in all aspects of organic gardening. Of particular interest to Alaskans will be his techniques for raising food crops year round in coastal Maine. He has served as director of agricultural research projects and as the executive director of the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements. He's also been an adviser to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His books on organic gardening are well known and viewed by many as the most authoritative voice on the topic.

Both presentations will be held at the Kachemak Bay Campus on Pioneer Avenue. Tickets are $10 for each presentation and are available now at the Homer Bookstore and the Homer Chamber of Commerce. Tickets also will be available at the door. Attendance is limited to 90 at each session.

Sunday is Open Gardens Day. Six outstanding local gardens will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. for self-guided touring. All six gardens will be open rain or shine. A seventh "bonus garden" will be open, weather permitting, as it is accessed via a trail that can be slippery when wet. Tickets for the tours are $15 for the general public and $10 for members of the Homer Garden Club. They are available now at the Homer Bookstore and Homer Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, garden tour tickets may be purchased at either of Saturday's presentations and on the day of the event from 10 a.m. until noon in the Homer City Hall parking lot. Those touring the gardens are asked to carpool, if possible.

Following the garden tours, Bear Creek Winery and the Homer Garden Club will host a reception from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. for those who have attended the other Gardeners' Weekend events.

Bill and Brenda Adams know this as Eric's Garden, for Eric, the chocolate lab who likes to hang out there.

Descriptions for gardens on tour

Whimsical Bluff Paradise

Owners: Suzanne and Dr. Rene Alvarez

Hourglass-shaped planters at the entrance are the first hint that this is a fanciful garden exquisitely embellished with whimsical pieces of art, some found, others created by the owner. A massive rock is the cornerstone of an impressive rock garden/pond combination bordered by a deck from which to enjoy both. Beautiful maroon-leafed maples stand sentry. Quiet paths lead to a second, inviting woodland rock garden, lush ferns, several more perennial gardens, a raised vegetable bed, a small house-attached greenhouse and finally to a long, apple tree-lined stairway to the beach.

Lakeside Swiss Wonderland

Owners: Gabriella Husmann-Schaad and Konrad Schaad

An enormous kiwi vine finds its trellis on the two-story facade of a well hidden, lovely, owner-built, Swiss chalet while robust clematis vines cling tenaciously to log deck beams. Profuse displays of annuals, herbs and greens decorate the deck overlooking an astoundingly large, beautifully situated and wildlife attracting lake kept refreshed by a passing stream. The landscape is enriched by tiered perennial gardens, a wonderful collection of shrubs and trees as well as many mature native trees. Don't miss the organic vegetable garden.

Delightful and Productive Homestead

Owners: Tina and Paul Seaton

A charming bluff homestead sports productive, delicious Norland apple trees and abounds with scrumptious raspberry bushes and tasty strawberries. A large, well-maintained, organic vegetable garden provides sustenance for the family. Long rows of raised beds erupt with vegetables which owe their super growth and vigor to rich compost, organic gardening practices and a gravity-fed watering system. Local critters, including a porcupine with a taste for raspberries, also feast from this quintessential Alaska garden. Do ask to hear some of the wildlife stories.

Artful Foliage Tapestry

Owners: Shirley and Dave Sanders

An exceptional shrubbery collection sets this garden apart from many moose-country landscapes. The foliage tapestry woven by the myriad dwarf conifers and multi-hued deciduous shrubs is quite unique and beautiful. Perfectly chosen art with an Asian flair, a luxurious and expansive lawn, hidden pocket gardens and an attractive and functional rockery make this garden a lovely experience. A bridge over a river of rock, bright annuals on the deck and a group of birdhouses complete the picture.

Lush Islands and Majestic Trees

Owners: Kathy and Mike Pate

A winding drive through a forest of trimmed spruce leads to a delightful garden. Majestic specimen trees including larch and golden-barked Amur cherry trees accent well-proportioned island gardens overflowing with perennials and grasses, all nestled in a huge south-sloping lawn. The island beds are surrounded with Seldovia marbled green granite. The largest island includes a water feature, fireplace and sitting area paved in Hope slate. A shade garden featuring rarely used perennials enfolds the northwest corner of the home while a warm, sunny kitchen garden decorates the south side. Annuals abound. A children's playhouse is surrounded by a newly planted cottage garden.

Designer's Personal Retreat

Owners: Brenda and Bill Adams

Created by its award-winning designer and owner, this ever-expanding garden abounds with fantastic combinations of texture and color. The treasure trove of perennials is enhanced by well-placed shrubs and trees. A pond and waterfall are surrounded by exceptional plants, including a primrose collection. The hillside garden flaunts a mass of white fireweed, Alaska favorites and exuberant groundcovers. Several border gardens, rock gardens, secret trails to restful hideaways and a path through the natural Alaska wildflower meadow invite you to dally. All are joined by productive vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, beds of herbs and greens, vigorous dahlias and overflowing containers. If this isn't enough, the view is spectacular.