‘Great Wall of Nina’ will be starting point for weeding and planting session

A plaque to be added to the rock garden celebrating the life of long-time Girdwood resident Nina von Imhof

Ken Smith/Turnagain Times Nina's wall, located on the bike path next to Moose Meadows, is a rock wall garden dedicated to the life of Nina von Imhof. A plaque will be donated by Loverne Bercee this weekend, providing a short narrative of Nina’s life and the meaning behind the ballerina statue and rock garden.

By Loverne Bercee
Special to the Turnagain Times

The Great Wall of Nina, overlooking Moose Meadows in the heart of Glacier Valley, is the site for a weeding and planting session to be held on Saturday, July 18.
In August 2003, this site was dedicated in honor of Nina von Imhof, who passed away of cancer in 2002. The ceremony was officiated by Chris von Imhof and Methodist Minister James Doepken.
Girdwood residents, friends and family planted hundreds of flowers, trees and shrubs on and around the rock retaining wall to continue the planting project which Nina had begun several years before her passing.
In honor of Nina’s love of ballet, a copper ballerina statue was placed at the site in 2003, designed by local artist Jules Wolfe. The ballerina stands on a jade base, donated by Marie Heinrichs of The Jade Shop.
At the upcoming Saturday event, Nina’s close friend, Loverne Bercee plans to donate a plaque to be placed near the ballerina statue.
The waterfall was designed and built by Andy Hehnlin of Girdwood. Chris von Imhof placed the Madonna statue above the waterfall.
Glacier Valley had been Nina’s home since 1967. Throughout the years, she devoted countless hours in summer planting thousands of flowers around the area.
After completion of the highway leading up to the new hotel, Nina began a beautification project along the new walking trail, planting many kinds of flowers adjacent to the path and in the ponds and woods leading to the hotel. One could see bright flashes of red, orange and yellow peeking through the woods, which turned out to be colorful begonias that Nina had placed in hollowed out tree stumps.
Nina felt this location overlooking Moose Meadows was special. Her dream was to make the drab retaining wall into a beautiful rock garden—to create a peaceful atmosphere, where people could relax, meditate and enjoy the beauty of the area.
Over the years, Robbie Frankovitch has been instrumental in maintaining the integrity and upkeep of the site.
Susan Opalka organizes the planting projects and is keeper of the beautiful flowers and plants. Every year, Girdwood residents, friends and family put their green thumbs to work and participate in planting favorite perennials, fulfilling our dear friend Nina’s dream.
Everyone who wants to come and help on Saturday is welcome.
Chief Chef Chris plans a special treat for the Saturday event, and, as he loves to say, “You vill enjoy it!”