Most Alaska gardeners are familiar with Les Brake and his Alaska zone 3A Coyote Garden near Willow, Alaska. His annual garden tour was well worth the drive into the Talkeetna Mountains, about 2 hours north of Anchorage. He has been a true inspiration for anybody that struggles with a cold climate garden. He has done very much to show just what is possible. Living in the Talkeetna Mountains in Alaska zone 3A his flower garden is simply legendary. Les did announce in 2023 that he is moving out of Alaska and his property along with Coyote Garden is for sale.
Slideshow by Ron Nicholl
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There is a great story about his techniques on the Huffpost Website - Extreme Gardening In Alaska By Suzy Bales.
Coyote Garden in Willow Alaska
Coyote Garden Flowers
(Photo courtesy of Les Brake)
You can find more information about Les and his garden at A visit to Coyote Garden on the Alaska Public Media website. Les was featured in an episode of Gardening By The Yard with Paul James in 2003. Les is probably the premier Alaska Master Gardener.
Les Brake and his Coyote garden have been featured in numerous magazines, including Horticulture magazine, Gardens Illustrated, Country Gardens, Sunset, New Zealand Gardener, and Plant Driven Design, the latest book from Lauren Springer Ogden and Scott Ogden. HGTV featured his garden and two segments for the PBS show ‘Smart Gardening’ were filmed there. His ice arrangements have gained some notoriety; appearing in several magazines, including Better Homes and Gardens and Suzy Bales’ book, The Garden in Winter.