Garden star studded ceremony

It is no accident that the last week of July is the Oscar Night for the Palmer gardens. Traditionally in the valley, perennial gardens are at their very finest at this time of year. This is the splendid week when the floral orchestra is full-throated and magnificent and all deserve academy awards.

Floral Orchestra—Now is the time to visit the Palmer Visitor’s Center Garden next to the Museum. The is the apogee of the season, meaning that now is the climax of the fantastic floral season with the most bountiful displays. It is the pinnacle and the zenith! I find it futile to attempt to describe the beauty of this well-cared for garden; you must to see it for yourself. It would take dozens of adjectives and they would all fall flat compared to the reality of the garden at this exact time of year. From now through September, the Palmer downtown garden is a gorgeous destination.

Cultivated Perennial gardens—Right now are the giant delphiniums, a few last peonies and columbine, asters, euphorbia, day lillies, malta, rockets, roses, smaller poppies, daisies, astilbe, veronica, forget-me-nots, clemantis, salvia, geranium, and just a flurry of other fabulous flowers. Phloxes are in full flower while some of late season planting, such as Dahlias, Amaranthus, Tagetes, and Cannas, are just starting to making an impression in the garden.

Wildflowers—In the woods and around the trails you will see the Alaska wildflowers in full bloom. Tall skinny fireweed is the fushia stalky symbol of late Alaska flowers. Iconic Fireweed tracks the summers progress by the thermometer of vertical blooms as they make their way to the top of the stalk. Lupine is that gorgeous purple-ey and white bunch of grape like flower with highly unusual leaves. It is past its prime but we may still get some second blooms. Yarrow is everywhere. Cow parsnip, devils club and Pushki are tall plants with massive white flat heads, containing many ants. These huge plants will bite you so do not touch. Blue bells, Jacobs Ladders and Shooting stars are all found along lower trails and in some perennial gardens. Yellow loosestrife is common along with meconopsis and allium. You will also see bellflowers, dahlias, and possibly bell flowers. Add to this delightful mixture some fleabane, beebalm, sea holly, loosestrife, hosta, and monkshood,

Delectable Names—As I list these names of fairly common perennials, I think each name is terrific and these names are not even the official botanical name! You should go to the Palmer garden where almost every plant is labeled and meet some of these wonderful flowers. Say their names and get to know them and then introduce them into your gardens. These are tried and true flowers which will bloom in your Palmer garden, not just this year, but for years to come. Most of these are available at local greenhouses….just make sure you go to the perennial section. Or, you can ask a friendly gardener you might know…..they are always generous about happily sharing their offspring.

Make Some Flower Friends—If you don’t do perennials, then go visit them at friends, or farms, or large garden downtown Palmer. There is something so fresh and wild about the joyful explosion of floral celebration. It is like a flower party, with everyone wearing their craziest hat and best ribbons. You can hear them singing!!!

Coming Up Soon—State Fair Entry time, Berry Brain, August chores, Back to School, Football….let’s go August!

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222