Our Story

Lorne and Elana White began the Strawberry Fields Garden center in Bell’s Flats in 1977, and opened their doors on Mill Bay Road years later. They have provided a wide range of nursery material and local expertise to the public for 45 years, including moss baskets, bedding plants, trees, and shrubs. A fixture in the community, the Whites have produced the city baskets for many years and have contributed widely to community events with donations.

Judy Hamilton began staffing the Garden Center in 2013, and she and Janelle Solinger began growing some of the bedding plants for Strawberry Fields at Bounty Farm (www.kodiakbounty.org) in 2017. Rooted was born as the Whites were easing into retirement and Judy and Janelle were expanding into the local marketplace with Bounty Farm products including locally grown vegetables and flowers, CSA shares, and organically produced kombucha.

Our vision for Rooted is to be a place of community, as it always has been a source of joy and place of fellowship. Our intention is to cultivate a beautiful, unique atmosphere where all feel welcome; where people can glean the best ways to garden and learn new skills related to food security and independence; where community members can purchase healthy plants and healthful foods and beverages; and where joy and delight take center stage.