Nestled amongst the towering spruce trees in the small town of Indian, Alaska is a hidden gem called Forget Me Not Nursery. This charming plant nursery and gift shop evokes feelings of serenity and simplicity for locals and visitors alike. As soon as you step foot onto the nursery grounds, you are transported to a peaceful botanical oasis in the midst of rugged Alaskan wilderness.
Forget Me Not Nursery first opened its doors in 1995 and has been run by the Jensen family ever since. Carl and Mary Jensen had a vision to share their love of gardening and plants with their local community. What started as a small backyard operation has flourished into a full-fledged nursery spanning over 5 acres.
The nursery gets its whimsical name from the signature bright blue forget-me-not flower, This hardy perennial blooms in profusion at the nursery and serves as a symbol of remembrance Visitors often take home potted forget-me-nots so they always have a reminder of their tranquil time spent at the nursery,
A Botanical Wonderland Awaits
The grounds of Forget Me Not Nursery are impeccably maintained and almost park-like in their beauty. Graceful willow trees sway over winding gravel pathways dotted with benches for quiet contemplation Flower beds bursting with color and texture surround a gurgling stone fountain in the center of the nursery The peaceful sounds of chirping birds and the faint wind chimes in the distance relax the senses.
Forget Me Not Nursery has an incredibly diverse offering of plant material They specialize in native Alaskan plants that thrive in the unique climatic conditions of the region Alpine wildflowers, dwarf conifers, hardy perennials, and woody shrubs flourish in the nursery’s thoughtfully designed landscape beds. These serve not only as gorgeous displays, but also provide inspiration for visitors’ own home gardens.
The staff of Forget Me Not Nursery are extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of gardening in Alaska. They are always available to offer practical advice to help you select the ideal plants for your needs. You will find both unique specimens and old garden favorites amongst the nursery’s vast selection. Forgotten heirloom perennials make a comeback alongside new plant introductions. Robust vegetables starts, organic seeds, and gardening tools are also available to help your garden dreams become reality.
Inside the gift shop, you’ll discover home décor and garden accents with the same peaceful aesthetic as the nursery grounds. Relax by the stone fireplace as you browse whimsical wind chimes, scented soy candles, gazing balls, garden gnomes, and more. The gift shop also features a broad selection of greeting cards, stationery, and Alaskan artisan crafts like knitwear, quilts, and jewelry.
Growing Plants and Community
While the nursery offers a welcome escape from stresses of everyday life, the Jensens strive to do much more than simply sell plants. At its heart, Forget Me Not Nursery endeavors to build community and bring joy to the residents of Indian.
The nursery hosts a range of family-friendly events throughout the season. These include workshops on gardening topics, plein air painting classes amidst the lush grounds, goat yoga, terrarium building, and Garden Tea Parties complete with home baked scones and tea sandwiches. Area children delight in Easter egg hunts among the peonies and daffodils each spring.
Each December, the nursery holds its beloved Christmas Open House. Visitors sip mulled cider and nibble on cookies as they wander candlelit paths and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides. Santa Claus even pays a visit to hear children’s Christmas wishes. The Christmas Open House has become a cherished small town tradition for families in Indian and the surrounding communities.
The Jensens have created not only a successful small business, but also a valuable community space fostering love of nature, creativity, and human connection. Visiting Forget Me Not Nursery is like stopping by a dear friend’s home. The cozy ambiance and unhurried grace set this nursery apart from all others.
Planning Your Visit
If you find yourself near the picturesque town of Indian along the banks of the Yukon River, be sure not to miss visiting Forget Me Not Nursery. The nursery is open May through September, but hours vary by season, so check their Facebook page or call ahead.
You can easily spend an entire morning or afternoon wandering the nursery grounds and greenhouses. Pop back another day to take a workshop or class. Be sure to bring your camera or sketchbook to fully capture the beauty surrounding you. Let yourself unwind and embrace the laidback pace during your time at this special place.
Before heading home with your new plant treasures, take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and commit the peace of Forget Me Not Nursery to memory. The magic of this nurturing refuge will root deeply in your spirit. When life feels overwhelming, recall your time spent here among the forget-me-nots to find your center once more. The Jensens have created much more than just an ordinary nursery – they have cultivated a place of healing, joy and community.
Getting married at Forget Me Not Nursery?
We list this as a Girdwood location, but it’s actually in Indian, which is between Girdwood and Anchorage. This hidden gem was just recently added to the list of venues in the Anchorage area. It’s getting more and more popular among people who know, or at least those who know about our website and have done their research. They are a nice family who wants to make sure your day goes well, and the venue is really cool. We have only done a few weddings here, but we can’t wait to do more! Check it out and give it a try—you will be glad you did!