What is Alaska Master Gardeners Anchorage (AMGA)?

Updated

Alaska Master Gardeners Anchorage (AMGA) is a volunteer gardening organization based in Anchorage, Alaska, and its website at alaskamastergardeners.org serves as a hub for gardening information, events, plant care tips, and photos. Its stated mission is to promote the availability of gardening information to Alaska citizens based on university study and experimentation. You do not need to be a certified Master Gardener to join — the site states that being a master gardener is not a requirement for membership.

What the website offers

The site organizes its content into a few main areas:

  • Education — links to the Alaska Master Gardener Program, Anchorage continuing education units (CEU), and the Alaska Master Gardener Blog.
  • Resources — Alaska reference links, plant culture tips, and a grant program (AMGA Grant Program).
  • Plant Sales — information on AMGA plant sales.
  • Photo Gallery — photos of gardens that master gardeners visit on summer tours.
  • Newsletter — articles on gardening in Alaska.
  • Calendar — meeting and event listings.
  • Membership — how to join or renew, plus a member portal and Google Group.

Plant culture tips available

The site links to a set of Alaska-specific growing guides, including:

  • Roses in Anchorage
  • Peonies in Alaska
  • Lilacs in Alaska
  • Lilies
  • Primulas in Alaska
  • Ornamental grasses in Alaska
  • Dahlias
  • Northern gardening tips

It also points to Cooperative Extension sites, including UAF/CES Fairbanks, CES Publications, and the MG Course Online, with local groups listed for Anchorage, Bethel, and Delta.

Meetings and events

AMGA meetings are free and open to the public. The site lists two upcoming meetings as examples of the format:

  • Year in Review & Volunteers Appreciation Celebration — Monday, October 19, 6:00–7:30 pm, with photo highlights of the year's garden tours and activities.
  • Fun Hands-on Activity & Annual Membership Meeting — Monday, November 16, 6:00–7:30 pm, including a holiday bird seed log activity and planning for the next year.

Membership

The site advertises a join offer: join AMGA for the 2027 season and get the remaining four months of the current year for free. Membership details, renewal, and a member portal are accessible from the main menu. The site also lists volunteer opportunities, a donation option, and a board of directors with bylaws and standing rules for those who want to understand how the organization is run.

Who it's for

AMGA suits anyone in Alaska interested in gardening — from beginners looking for region-specific plant advice to experienced gardeners who want to volunteer, attend meetings, or connect with other growers. Because membership doesn't require Master Gardener certification, the main requirement is simply an interest in gardening and sharing knowledge.