An apple orchard takes root in Government Hill

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Gary Masog plants apple tree starts with help from Dave Rankin at AT&T’s Government Hill facility on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. The 70 trees will be transplanted next spring to their permanent home across the street at the Government Hill Commons.

Apple trees have begun to take root in Government Hill, the beginning of what is expected to become Anchorage's first community orchard.

About 70 apple trees, a number of different varieties grafted onto hardy crabapple root stock, were planted Tuesday in a temporary bed on AT&T property located across the street from where community organizers hope to soon build a park, cider house and garden. Next spring, the trees will be moved once more, to their permanent home in the Government Hill commons.

"It's the perfect spot for an orchard," said Steve Gerlek, a Government Hill resident and organizer of the project. "We're standing on top of 100 feet of gravel, which provides great drainage for apple trees. And being so close to the ocean, the climate is much more mild than in other parts of town."

Four fruit tree enthusiasts, all men of retirement age, showed up to transplant the 70 small starts, filling a raised bed inside AT&T's moose-proof fence. One of the men, Paul Lariviere, grafted the apples this winter and raised them in his garage until it was time to move them to their outdoor home.

"Planting an orchard is an act of faith," said Gerlek. "This neighborhood has been in existence for over 100 years. We're thinking long-term with this project."

For AT&T, the offer of space was a natural fit.

"This ties into what we think is important for the neighborhood," said Chris Brown, AT&T's Network Services Director. "We partner with Government Hill elementary school, and they'll have a hand in helping these trees grow. Plus, I have a few hundred employees who will drive by the orchard every day, and I like the idea of a nice peaceful setting next door."