Palmer Rose Trees of China Says Goodbye

It’s close to the end of the blooming of the magnificent Rose Tree of China. This is that poufy pink shrub that screams “summer time” in Palmer, Alaska. It is on its’ last little legs right now (and its’ blush blossoms are currently occupied by drunken bees.) If you want a parting glimpse of this gorgeous little tree, they are all around Palmer. There is no scent but their delightful rosey color more than makes up for their lack of aroma.

Palmer Lilacs will say Hello!—Probably by the end of this week (or surely next week) our lilacs will be back. Not only are they beautiful, their aroma is intoxicating. They, too, are all around the Palmer area. In fact, it has been suggested to make Palmer “the Lilac Capital of Alaska,” complete with a lilac festival and yet another Palmer parade.

Sunday Night Earthquake—It registered at 6.1 and it was a lengthy shaker in the Palmer area. People who were asleep at the time woke up. People who were awake at the time were more awake. For a good period of time, after the shaking of the earth stopped, folks were still shaky. Aftershocks were frequent. We all know, at some basic level, that earthquakes are a part of our Alaskan lives. Although they are not necessarily fun, they are always interesting. Plus the nearly immediate reactions on social media is amazing. People shout out their guesses as to size, duration and epicenter. People ask others if they need help. People console or commiserate with one another. Fracturing earthquakes actually bring us together!

Palmer Petrichor—Can we PLEASE bottle this aroma? Palmer Petrichor is that earthy scent produced when rain is coming and falls in dry areas of our soil. It has been particularly delicious in Palmer in the last week. You know the smell I am talking about. It is the earth and the rain dancing together, giving off the heady perfume of Palmer Petrichor.

Last Chance to See the Stars!—We won’t see many stars from now until August. And likewise with the moon. So take a good full look right now. It is also important to note that we are in June, which is Summer Solstice in the third week. The Buzz hates to be a downer but we need to recognize that we are getting close to the longest time of daylight and therefore the pinnacle from which the daylight trend is reversed. This means only that it is important to glory in and appreciate fully these long, long days with the substantial light. As the wheel of the year always continues to turn, so go the the seasonal changes. So stand up, garden at midnight and sing to the light!!!!

Palmer Spring Classic—This grand annual bicycling event is held on Saturday at the Palmer Library in downtown Palmer. This is not a race. It is a terrifically organized bike ride event with support stations celebrating the joy of biking and the community area of Palmer. Thank you Back Country Bike and Ski! Come out and watch the bikers!

This Week in the Palmer Area—Wednesday is Food Truck gathering at the Alaska State Fair Grounds. A favorite band, Braided River, is LIVE at the Palmer Ale House on Friday night. And Friday Fling is of course on Friday at the Pavillion.

Reflections Lake is celebrating National Trails Day on Saturday with the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation. This is an opportunity of public service and celebration. There will be supplies for clean-ups, children’s birding scavenger hunt, education information and a raffle for prizes from 12- 3. There is another clean up this Saturday on Jonesville Mine Road in Sutton at Slipper Lake.

Saturday night has live music at Klondikes and the Palmer Ale House. Saturday is also the “Dumb History Comedy Show” at 203 Kombucha.

Stay Safe Palmer, have fun, be kind and don’t forget your mosquito dope!

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. Email bhunt@mtaonline.net or text at 907.315.3222