| 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.
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