HISTORY OF THE ALASKA ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY

    In early 1997, a group of 35 Rock Garden enthusiasts met and discussed forming an Alaska Chapter
of the North American Rock Garden Society. By spring, the Constitution and By-Laws were drawn up and some preliminary field trips were planned. Verna Pratt served as the first President. The early members chose Veronica grandiflora, Aleutian Speedwell, as their emblem. This small plant, which is wonderful in Rock Gardens, is found exclusively on Alaska's Aleutian Chain and in parts of Japan. Invitations to join the group were extended to the public and the response was so TRULY overwhelming that the Society organized and presented the NARGS Annual Meeting in 2002!

    Educational programs and/or special speakers are presented at the September through May meetings. All meetings are open to the public. Regular meetings, which alternate between Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley, are held on the third Saturday of each month. Plant sales are held during the summer months. Members also help to maintain the Rock Gardens at the Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage.