Jewell Gardens, Skagway, Alaska, USA
Charlotte Jewell is the force behind Jewell Gardens. It is her vision, inspired by Skagway’s history as the “Garden City of Alaska”, and numerous Skagway gardeners who lead the way as mentors and friends.
Charlotte was born in Southeastern Pennsylvania and raised on a dairy farm about an hour west of Philadelphia. Both of her grandmothers, who loved flowers and gardens, were raised in England, the most garden-loving country in the world, with more gardens open to the public than anywhere else.
After graduating with an Art degree from Kutztown University, Charlotte came north with friends to Alaska in 1974. She lived in Anchorage where she worked as a whale bone and Ivory carver until she came to Skagway in 1976, wholesaling her work.
In 1980, Charlotte opened a gift shop in the center of town selling her work and also bedding plants for the local gardeners. She planted and maintained flowers in the business district in front of shops, the bank, the post office, the bars, and at the cruise ship docks. In the early 80’s Charlotte organized the Skagway Garden Club and was the President for several years.
In 1996 Charlotte leased a portion of the original Henry Clark Homesite to create Jewell Gardens and provide Skagway with the beauty of flowers and fresh organic vegetables. Jewell Gardens has never used a synthetic non organic herbicide or pesticide on the site, and is now a USDA certified organic show garden.
Charlotte has called Skagway home for 38 years, she met her husband Jim here and raised their son Max in this beautiful Alaskan paradise. Max operates “Elements of Alaska”, a Skagway based tour company. Jim is semi-retired, after many years as a local builder. His handiwork can be seen all over town, from restoring the façade of the AB Hall, the most photographed building in the State of Alaska to the White Pass Depot. He has built or renovated many fine Skagway homes and businesses.
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