Join us Mondays in December for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! December 16th story is “Whale Snow” by Debbie Dahl Edwardson. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place in our heated Greenhouse (limited space inside; please plan to park your strollers outside). All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.

At this week’s storytime we will have fun blubber experiments for kids to try. Kids will discover what makes arctic animals so adapted to the cold and how they stay warm in freezing temperatures and water.

Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members.

Join local artist Tommy 'Salami' O'Malley (in collaboration with the Girdwood Arts Institute) for a beginners workshop on ice carving. Participants will learn about properties of ice, carving techniques, and tool safety.  Each participant will receive step-by-step instructions to carve one 10’’ x 10’’ block of ice and all necessary tools. No prior experience is necessary; come and learn a new hobby or skill!
Space is limited; please register ahead of time to secure a spot. Participants will need to bring a set of warm waterproof gloves and appropriate clothing for standing outside for approximately 2 hours as they carve (workshop takes place completely outside).

What to bring to stay warm and dry!

• Dress for winter! Wear layers, winter boots and a winter hat.

• Insulated rubber gloves under winter gloves or mittens, or even plastic bags worn over mittens, will help to keep you dry and warm.

• Extra gloves and mittens (to replace wet ones)

• Hand warmers

• Sunglasses or protective goggles

• Drinking water, snack, and anything else you may need to stay warm

Join local artist Tommy 'Salami' O'Malley (in collaboration with the Girdwood Arts Institute) for a kid friendly ice carving workshop (recommended for kids ages 8+). Participants will learn about the basics of ice carving and how to safely use hand tools while creating a fun seasonal ice sculpture to take home. Each participant must be accompanied by an adult.
Space is limited; please register ahead of time to secure a spot. Participants will need to bring a set of warm waterproof gloves and appropriate clothing for standing outside for approximately 2 hours as they carve (workshop takes place completely outside).

What to bring to stay warm and dry!

• Dress for winter! Wear layers, winter boots and a winter hat.

• Insulated rubber gloves under winter gloves or mittens, or even plastic bags worn over mittens, will help to keep you dry and warm.

• Extra gloves and mittens (to replace wet ones)

• Hand warmers

• Sunglasses or protective goggles

• Drinking water, snack, and anything else you may need to stay warm

Join us Mondays in December for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! December 9th story is “Stranger in the Woods” by Carl R. James II and Jean Stoick. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Program takes place in our heated Greenhouse (limited space inside; please plan to park your strollers outside). All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.

Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members.

This 60 minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place in our heated Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

Looking for a unique way to send your holiday greetings this year? Join us for a fun workshop on creating one of a kind holiday cards that can double as gifts! Learn to use oil paint and imagery of your favorite festive nature scenes, winter berries, fruits, herbs, pine boughs, birch bark, and holiday décor to create unique hand-made gift cards. The class itself also makes a great gift, grab a friend or family member to make it a paint party. Get inspired by the beauty of the Garden while painting season’s greetings in the Greenhouse. Taught by local artist Betany Porter.

Kits are limited; please sign up ahead of time. If you wish to bring your own supplies, please make sure you have a few colors of oil paint, a glass or metal palette to mix them on and brushes. We will provide cards and limited supply of colors to share for everyone. If you do not need a full kit but wish to purchase a partial kit, please contact Stacey Shriner (stacey.shriner@alaskabg.org) for a list of extra supplies available. 

There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice.

Kit Includes:

• Windsor & Newton Oil Paint: alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue, viridian, titanium white, raw umber

• Ultrecht Chunking Oil Brushes: round 1 and filbert 4

• Gamsol Solvent, 4oz

• Master's Brush Cleaner 

• Brush Washer

• HB Artist Pencil and kneaded eraser

• Glass Artist's Palette 11''x14''

• Paint Rag

• Canvas Tote Bag

• Painting Knife

• Travel Size Plastic Bottle with Lid

• Wood Craft Board, 12''x12''

• Watercolor Cards, set of 6 (we will gesso cards prior to the class)

Soul Sisters Basketree is back with Colleen Anagick and Sharon Hamilton to instruct you in weaving these versatile wall hanging baskets. This style basket comes right in time for the holidays. It's the ideal size for you to fill with mail, sticky notes, or your shopping and to-do list, plus you can hang your keys on it. Have fun creating your own design by choosing your choice of 3 color combinations (rainbow, autumn and northern lights). Participants will have a variety of embellishments available to choose from to personalize their baskets. All supplies are included; no experience necessary.

We have reserved 4 hours for this class but some participants may finish sooner than others. This workshop will take place inside ABG's heated Greenhouse. $5 cancellation fee applies for all cancellations. Due to the prepping of materials before the workshop, no refunds will be given with less than a 48 hour notice.

Get ready for an evening of all things medicinal fungi! Join the owners of Far North Fungi, Allison and Gabe, for a hands-on workshop on extraction methods, bottling tinctures from start to finish, and medicinal properties of Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail and Lions Mane mushrooms. Participants will start their own 4oz tincture as well as receive a 2oz bottle that has already been started.

This workshop will take place in our Greenhouse; please dress in layers as it can be chilly in there in the evenings. There is a $10 cancellation fee and no refunds will be given with less then 48 hours before the start of the workshop. Please call the Garden at 907-770-3692 with questions.

Join us Mondays in December for an interactive storytime as we read and move our bodies! December 2nd story is “Cozy” by Jan Brett. The story and program are designed for ages 6 and younger. Staff from the Musk Ox Farm will be bringing artifacts from the farm for families and kids to interact with. The Musk Ox Farm is located in Palmer and is dedicated to gentle musk ox husbandry, qiviut production, and education that creates connections to musk oxen and their changing habitat.

Program takes place in our heated Greenhouse (limited space inside; please plan to park your strollers outside). All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have hot chocolate and tea for sale.

Members & kids 6 and under are FREE; $5 for Non-Members.

Learn to grow your own mushrooms! Join the owners of Far North Fungi, Allison and Gabe, for a hands-on workshop on growing oyster mushrooms. They’ll bring a mobile lab where you can create your own mushroom kit to take home. This workshop includes a 30 minute lecture, instructed lab time, and unlimited Q&A. Please wear clean clothes for lab time. Pre-registration is required.

There is a $10 cancellation fee for all cancellations; no refunds for requests made with less then 48 hours notice.

Want to make these darker nights a little brighter? Join ABG staff, Katie Redmond, and learn to make your own solstice candles. Participants will use several types of molds to make homemade beeswax candles. You'll learn techniques on adding scents, apply fresh pressed flowers and colors! As you go through learning to make your candles, you will be invited to set an intention, what is it you want to bring light and warmth to in this darkest of seasons?

All materials are provided; class size is limited please register in advance. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations; no refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.

This 60 minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place in our heated Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

SOLD OUT- This 60 minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place in our heated Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

SOLD OUT- Join ABG staff and local artist, Renae Bookman, for a Needle Felting and Recycled Wreath Workshop to create beautiful, hand-felted decorations and embellishments for your natural holiday wreath! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to make a wreath using spruce bows and a recycled tire rim as well as the basics of needle felting to craft unique ornaments and accents using natural wool. Perfect for adding a personal, handmade touch to your fall-inspired wreath. All materials will be provided but feel free to bring natural materials from your own backyard to add a personal touch!

Extra needle felting kits are also available for purchase if you want to make more decorations than what we make in the class. You must register ahead of time. This class sells out every year so sign up and secure your spot! There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations. No refunds for requests made with less than 48 hours notice.

SOLD OUT- Join us for a fall- inspired centerpiece workshop. We'll be using an assortment of dried and fresh materials collected from the Garden. Centerpiece will be made with birch rounds. These look great displayed on the kitchen table or as an accent piece on the porch! This workshop is recommended for ages 8+; (up to two people per centerpiece). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Workshop will take place outside, weather permitting. All materials are included but feel free to bring other natural items to incorporate into your design.

What to bring:

Warm clothes- Dress to be outside the entire time! If it rains or snows we will move to the Greenhouse.

Thin Gloves- Mittens are not recommended as you will need to be able to cut and handle thin wire and materials.

Mug- To enjoy hot beverages to keep you warm.

Fall is a wonderful season for being inspired by nature and to cozy up crafting. Explore crepe paper hand-building techniques and color application to make paper mushrooms this November. Use paper, pastels, paint, moss, tree rings and adhesive to create small mushroom scenes to adorn your tabletop, mantle, or windowsill. This workshop takes place in the greenhouse and is taught by local artist Betany Porter.

All materials are provided; you must register in advance. There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations; no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of the workshop.

Betany Porter received an MFA in Painting and Drawing from the Art Institute of Chicago, Post-Baccalaureate from the Oregon College of Art and Craft, and Teaching Credential from San Diego State University. She was a Contemporary Art Curator and Interdisciplinary Museum Educator at the Anchorage Museum, and Art Curator at the Alaska Botanical Garden. She has over twenty years in Art Education and over ten years Museum experience designing exhibitions, educational content, and public programs. In 2023 she was selected as a Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Award recipient and currently works as an Artist in Anchorage, AK.

This 60 minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place in our heated Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

This 60 minute yoga class forms a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. This class includes asana (postures), breath work, and brief meditation after savasana to balance out our practice. The goal of this class is to provide you with a nourishing asana practice and have you leaving the garden feeling relaxed and peaceful. Please bring a yoga mat. All classes will take place in our heated Greenhouse.

Space is limited; you must register ahead of time. There is a $2 cancellation fee for all cancellations.

The season for bread baking is upon us! Join Megan Walker of First Colony Farms for a three-part series that will cover everything you need to know about getting started with sourdough. This is the third and final class in the three-part series. In this session, we discuss discard. Learn what discard is, how to think outside the loaf, and use your discard to bake a variety of treats. Participants will get to taste a variety of baked goods made from discard in this session, so save some room in your tummy!

Space is limited; please register ahead of time. There is a $5 cancellation fee for all cancellations; no refunds for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice.

First Colony Farms Bakery began as a fun idea in 2020, sharing a love of sourdough bread with our community.  People loved our bread and other baked goods, and the idea birthed a microbakery!  Meghan Walker and her mother, Apryll, work together creating recipes and baking for 1000's of happy customers from Anchorage to Trapper Creek!  Based in Willow, you can find them at markets, local events, and on their weekly delivery route.