(from a visit in June 2023)
One of the reasons we moved to Alaska was for the weather. Cold, damp, or snowy days are when I feel most happy and alive. But sometimes this native Texan needs to see green things growing. On one such day, I decided to check out the Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse. Named for the city of Anchorage horticulturist, who passed away in 1995, the adjoining greenhouses are home to thousands of plants, a koi pond, and a small aviary.
The greenhouses are located in Russian Jack Park, which is a quick 5 minute drive from where I live. On this particular day, it was drizzling outside. There were fields of dandelions growing around the parking lot and entrance, reminding me of bluebonnets that bloom this time of year back in Texas.
I entered through the back building where the succulents and potted plants are arranged on shelves and tables along the walls and gathered into clusters and islands down the middle of the long building. Walking around I took in all of the varieties, noticing the impressive and eclectic sizes, shapes, and textures.
I wandered down the stairs to the second building, which is more picturesque, dark, and shaded with a canopy of trees and tropical plants. In the center is a koi pond. This is also the building with the aviary tucked in a corner by the steps (aviary is maybe an overstatement, more of a large birdcage with a few parakeets). A bench sat across from the pond under the canopy. As much as I wanted to be a part of this scene, I decided against sitting in this particular spot, as there was a cloud of insects hovering around the bench and a constant drip of water coming from the flora above.
Fortunately, there are quite a few benches sprinkled throughout both greenhouses. I set myself up in the succulent building. It was about 70°F, pleasantly warm with fans blowing air to create a light breeze and resulting in a gentle hum of white noise. There was lots of natural light, and it was nice to be surrounded by nature but not have to be “bear aware.”
I sat on the bench and read for a bit. No one entered either greenhouse the entire time I was there, which was at least an hour. It was very peaceful and private. Then I took out my writing notebook. I’m working on maintaining the discipline of writing for 30 minutes a day. I wasn’t sure how writing in this environment would go, but I got into a flow quickly. There were no distractions. My thoughts were able to focus entirely on the story.
All in all, this is a very cozy spot that offers a respite from cold, wet, or snowy days and provides an environment that feels warm and connected to nature. And maybe best of all, it’s open every day from 8am-3:30pm M-F (8am-3pm on weekends), and it’s free.
Cozy in Alaska 