Georgeson Botanical Garden open to visitors

June 30, 2020

The flowers are blooming and the Georgeson Botanical Garden is open to visitors this summer.

Photo by Katie DiCristina. Many flowers are blooming at the Georgeson Botanical Garden, including geranium, day lilies, irises and peonies.

Garden hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Visitors may enjoy the garden’s flowers, herbs and landscaped space. Because of coronavirus concerns, the University of Alaska Fairbanks garden isn't hosting public events or organized tours this year.

Visitors are asked to wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people outside their household. Groups should be limited to 10 people or fewer.

Garden manager Katie DiCristina said many flowers are blooming, including peonies, one of the garden highlights. The garden hosts more than 160 varieties of peonies in many colors, including white, pink, yellow and red. Most were planted as part of research and variety trials undertaken at the garden, beginning in 2001.

Garden operations are largely supported by the community. There is no set admission fee, but donations are welcomed, either on-site or at www.georgesonbotanicalgarden.org/donate.

The garden's popular Music in the Garden series is a virtual experience this year. Concerts recorded at the garden air on KUAC-TV, Channel 9.4. (GCI Channel 6) Thursday nights at 7 p.m., except for July 2. Videos are also posted on YouTube and http://www.uaf.edu/summer/events/upcoming.php.

UAF Summer Sessions coordinates the series, which is sponsored by 529 Alaska, Design Alaska and Toy Quest.

The garden is part of the Fairbanks Experiment Farm and is located at 2180 West Tanana Drive. For more information, call DiCristina at kmdicristina@alaska.edu or 907-474-6921.