Being from the United States these days does not always result in a positive reaction. Just saying. So when I travel abroad, I go as an Alaskan. There is always a good reception for Alaskans.
Last week I was giving a few talks in Iceland, of all places. As I wandered around, it struck me that these columns could probably run in Reykjavik as well as here — once I conquer Icelandic. I don’t know why it surprises me to find other places that have plants that make me think I am in still in Southcentral Alaska.
The cotoneasters in Iceland, for example, were displaying the exact same flaming orange and reds as we see here. Dandelions were going into dormancy and I am quite sure residents were cleaning out their greenhouses in anticipation of colder weather.
The public displays of flowers consist of ornamental cabbages and kale. They are lovely, sure, but present a very limited mix.
So, the big difference between us and others is our very extensive flower palate. Maybe it is our long, long winters — much longer than Iceland’s — that induce us to reach for the colors of flowers at the end of winter.
Whatever the cause, public and private flower plantings are everywhere. For most tourists questioned as they leave Alaska, it is the flowers that they rave about.
Alaska is every bit as wonderful as America’s finest public garden, Longwood, in Pennsylvania near the Delaware border. I brag to Outside friends that if they come to Alaska and turn in a circle, they will see colorful flowers no matter which direction they look.
Frankly, I don’t know of any other places where people go as crazy as we do when planting in the spring, again public and private. As similar as the types of plants we can grow, it doesn’t appear that Icelanders start nearly as many flowers or vegetables after their long winters. Perhaps they need a push to catch up to us — which they might once direct flights resume to Reykjavik from Anchorage this summer.
We landscape with so many flowers that we are really unique in the world. It is surely an unexpected reason to love living here.
Jeff’s Alaska Garden Calendar:
Alaska Botanical Garden: Almost as many activities as in the summer! Check them out at www.alaskabg.org.
Houseplants: Buy more.
Supplemental lighting: Come on! You live on Alaska and your plants need light in the winters. Big plus is using them to start seeds!