The Lockhart & Erskine Garden is located at the corner of Old Yacht Club Road and South Big Lake Road in Big Lake, Alaska. It was begun in 2003 with a small walkway garden and has since evolved to 9 major borders with pathways and many trees between. Dollar Lake, a small, deep pond, on the north side of the property we seem to have a micro-climate of Zone 4, though I have wintered things that are usually only hardy to Zone 6. In the summer, heat and sun are the two most common factors in the garden. Frequently temperatures are over 80°F (read 135 in the sun) and there are few shady spots on the property (we’ve planted as many trees as we can each year to protect the plants we do have). In the winter, temperatures dip to -30°F, but they don’t seem to last long and average temperatures run about +10°F. We average a good snow cover for added protection, though sometimes it melts off in February and causes all kinds of problems.

There was no organic matter on our little acre of land. Everything that is now here we have had to bring in (or created in the compost pile). There was grass on the lawn when we bought the property, but it wasn’t in very good condition. We have brought in over 50 truckloads of topsoil, compost and amendments! This list is not a complete representation-I’m sure I’m forgetting something. Sorry for the mix of common names and mangled Latin.

I will try to get this list updated soon! (and in alphabetical order--sounds like a good winter project!) Click on the READ MORE button for the list.

(just a quick note: the Lockhart & Erskine Garden was most recently featured in Alaska Home magazine, Spring 2009 issue if you would like a more in-depth article about its creation.)