It finally rained in Eagle River. I don't get to say that very often! This summer has been unusually sunny and hot with very little precipitation. No one is complaining after the last few summers that we have had. All the sunshine has left us in need of rain (especially in high fire areas). Even I can appreciate a rainy day inside!
This year, I was able to plant a garden again. I am mostly a hobby gardener and we do not rely on my produce to contribute greatly to our food supply. However, I have had some good success in past years. Each year, I have had a good crop of lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots, and dill. I have also had some blunders. Some things, despite my earnest attempts, will not grow. Shockingly, zucchini is one of them. Being from North Dakota, this seemed impossible to me. But year after year, I attempt to grow zucchini and fail miserably. Many other vegetables have also failed to produce. Tomatoes, peppers, and onions remain illusive. Perhaps with a greenhouse, I would be more successful. Gardening in Alaska has its challenges but is always worth the effort in the end. Here is a look at what is growing in my garden right now.
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| Lettuce | | |
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| Cabbage |
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| Carrots |
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| Kale |
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| Rhubarb |
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| Chives (thank you Jason Gilsdorf!) |
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| Peas |
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| Rosemary |
Along with my garden, Alaska has some beautiful natural vegetation that is beginning to flower. We have been blessed to have some of these plants growing right in our back yard!
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| Blue Bells - Hosta |
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| Fireweed |
I have great aspirations of making fireweed jelly/syrup this year. I say jelly/syrup because, as I have never done this before, the consistency remains to be seen! Now that the fireweed is flowering, it won't be long!
One more thing before I go. We have a good friend who is a photographer here in Alaska. He has done some amazing work! If you are looking for artwork for you home or maybe a gift for someone else, check him out. His name is Kyle Waters and here is his website:
Alaska Fun Fact: Fireweed gets its name because it grows very well in areas that have been cleared of vegetation by a fire.
Beautiful!
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