Nestled between Benny Benson School and Campbell Creek, Alaska Botanical Garden volunteers have carved out cultivated oases in the midst of a boreal birch forest. Despite the herb beds, perennial planters, and native offerings, I thought the gardens would have been more aptly named Alaska Amanita Gardens this fall. Amanita muscaria specimens were growing everywhere. I finally had to put my camera in my pocket and force myself to stop taking pictures of them. I... Read more →