Georgeson Botanical Garden blesses new cordwood structure
September 30, 2010
907-474-5042
9/30/10
A celebration of public/private partnerships was held despite blustery wind at the Georgeson Botanical Garden Sept. 17.
With the completion of a new cordwood shed, the GBG joined forces with Summer Sessions to dedicate the structure in an informal ceremony.
“When I saw this beautiful shed I wanted to bring the class back to see it and acknowledge all the partners,” said Michelle Bartlett, director of Summer Sessions, sponsor of the workshop held July 27-29.
Bartlett originally invited Rob Roy, cordwood construction expert, to give a lecture at UAF and he asked why he would come all the way to Alaska just to give a talk when he could offer a workshop also.
She noted that Roy said he had never seen a site as well prepared as the one at GBG. That was due to the diligent efforts of Agriculture Lab Assistant Grant Matheke, who did the framework and all the other preparations. “I was pleased to do it,” Matheke said. “I liked it because there were no architectural drawings, no change orders and no trying to fit things that didn’t fit. It all came together nicely.”
Matheke participated in the class when he had time and donated the door and windows for the structure. Bartlett said that the building should be named “Matheke House” to recognize his efforts for the project.
“It’s too nice to be a shed,” said GBG Director Pat Holloway. While the original intention was a place to keep garden tools, she might find another use for it. “You guys did a good job,” Holloway said. “It’s a nice addition and it’s a good conversation piece for this part of the garden.”
Next spring the building will get a sod roof, screens and more paint.
Bartlett recognized the project’s partners: Jenny Campbell (UAF Design and Construction project manager}, Norcon Inc. and IBEW 1547. “Everybody worked hard to make this a reality,” Bartlett said.
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