Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau
Alaska isn’t exactly known as a Mecca for gardeners, but a bill establishing a Public Gardens Day passed the state House Tuesday.
House Bill 18 was sponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Beth Kerttula of Juneau, who says a constituent proposed it to her and she initially dismissed the idea.
Under the bill, the Saturday before Memorial Day every year would be Alaska Public Gardens Day. Kerttula sees it as an opportunity for Alaskans to explore the types of gardens they can grow, and for tourists to learn more about small-scale agriculture in the state.
The bill passed the House 37 to 1. Anchorage Representative Mike Hawker cast the only no vote. It now goes to the state Senate.
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