Palmer Peaks This Week in High Summer

This is nearly the Peak of the Posies in Palmer. Between now and the end of the month you can see the fullness of summer’s orchestra of flowers. Just like in a symphony, there is generally a large swell in the middle and likewise with Alaska flower gardens. The cadence of blooms in the Orchestra of Flowers is RIGHT NOW so don’t miss it.

The Showcase Garden in Palmer—This is the major garden in downtown Palmer, beside the Museum at 723 S. Colony Way. If you have never visited this carefully tended spot, you are missing something big. This graceful and fragrant garden has been planned and plotted for decades and expanded more than once. There are walking paths and informational displays along with a very knowledgable garden manager who can answer any question.

The garden offers the aroma of heaven along with the loveliness of a Monet painting. You will see textures and colors that are frankly indescribable. And if you’re very quiet you will hear the flowers sing.

What Is In the Display Garden?—Nearly everything. Sweet peas and roses gracefully greet you upon arrival. Beds of Achillea and Veronica and Campanula are plentiful. (They are the string section of the floral orchestra.) Then there is the bold and big Peony, which is at its very best right now. There is nothing shy about these blooms. They would be the very loud tubas in the marching band world.

Standing tall and strong are the Columbine, Delphinium, and Lilys who carry the chorus. Nearly in bloom are the skinny and stately reddish liatris and Legularias and which are also known as yellow rocket flowers. Sadly the Trollius are already spent but the Lady’s Mantle, Snow in Summer, and Geraniums are ready to take up the song. Daisies and Ferns are common but valued in this symphony of flowers. The cadence of the flowers is peaking so go enjoy it soon.

There is even a section devoted to showcasing the huge veggies, along with other vegetables and berries. This is a good spot to see the results of our midnight sun.

The garden is open year-round and is free to the public. Let’s be clear that doggies are not welcome, for obvious reasons. The garden is for viewing purposes only. No picking or harvesting of the vegetables is allowed as they are donated to the local elders.

Friday—Join up for a 4 mile hike near Summit Lake at the top of Hatcher Pass Road. You are at 4500’ feet elevation and it is magnificent. This happens at 930am and it is part of the Six Peak Challenge.

Saturday—This weekend is the Mat Su Valley Fiber Festival at the fairgrounds, just south of Palmer. This is the colorful tactile event of the year. There are fibers and yarns and rovings and food trucks. There will be angora bunnies and sheep and fantastic weavings. There will be demonstrations in knitting plus a knitting machine. There will be a sock producer and needle felting. There will be classes in painting with fiber, spinners, needle felted mushrooms, sheep shearing demonstration and eco printing. There will be wet felted pumpkins and goats and blending fibers on a drum carder.

Sunday—Palmer’s newest Friendship Park will have a grand opening on Sunday July 22. This little park includes a quarter mile walking track, a pavilion, a green grassy field and a military honor garden. There will be a bluegrass band, JBER honor guard and free food and games. This park is located at 1150 E. Helen Drive, which is kinda behind the Noisy Goose Cafe. Parks like this don’t just happen…this one took work from citizens, volunteers, city and businesses. Go enjoy yourself and see how you can help it evolve.