Planting a Seed – Saranac Lake‘s Common Ground Gardens Opening Registration to New Gardeners Today, Thursday, March 16, 2023

By Paul Sorgule

It’s a bit ironic as I sit with my morning coffee, looking out the window at a steady Adirondack snowfall, knowing that my shovel is waiting outside – that my thoughts are on planting our garden in a few short months. Our High Mowing Seeds order has already been placed and a path has been cleared to the backyard shed where garden tools stand ready, willing, and able.  There is something so gratifying about getting our hands in the soil, weeding between rows as shoots pop their heads through the dirt, and watching humble seedlings grow and mature into the vegetables that will grace our table during the summer and early fall.  Sharing this experience with dozens of other local planters at Common Grounds Community Garden is icing on the cake.  These thoughts are really the first sign of Spring, long before lawns peek through the snow, and the birds return from their winter homes.

Saranac Lake‘s Community Garden, Common Ground Gardens, on Old Lake Colby Road is a real treasure.  A place of solitude and wonder where Mother Nature allows us to experience something very special.  From bare plots in April to robust gardens filled with tomatoes, zucchini, beans and greens, peppers, winter squash, and a portfolio of flowers – the garden has something to give to all who participate.

There are still plots left for new gardeners to join and registration begins on March 16th,  2023. Prices to lease a plot for the season are $40, $80, and $100 for a small, medium or large plot, respectively, and the rewards are great. But even if plots fill up, there are many ways to join in the fun. The Presbyterian Church hosts a large plot at Common Grounds and more helpers are always needed to grow food for the local food pantry. Or you can fight hunger from home by planting extra veggies to donate – Pastor Joann of the First Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake refers to this as “growing a row” for others. Another opportunity is to help plant and maintain pollinator plots at Common Ground with the local Audubon chapter  in support of local wildlife. There is always an opportunity to weed, water or simply bring your favorite book, sit among the garden plots, and enjoy being part of Adirondack life.

Links to register will be posted on the garden website: https://common-ground-garden.square.site/, on Facebook at: @SLcommunitygardens, or on Instagram at: @slcommunitygardens

For questions contact us at: SLCommunitygardens@gmail.com or phone (518) 241-6167.

Common Ground Gardens is a volunteer-run organization servicing local gardeners on property generously offered for use by Adirondack Health.

Photo at top: Saranac Lake Common Ground Gardens growing season in full swing of summer. Photo provided by Emily-Bell Dinan and the Common Ground Gardens Team.