Lake Placid Garden Club Celebrates Local Green Thumb Talent

As the gardening season comes to a close, the Garden Club of Lake Placid has recognized local residents for their exceptional gardening efforts. The club presented the prestigious Green Thumb Awards to four homeowners for their vibrant flower displays, which enhance the community’s visual appeal.

The recipients of this year’s awards included Jenifer Briggs of Church Street, Deborah Pelkey of Acorn Street, Dorine and Ed Peregrim of Liberty Hill Lane, and Carol and Karl Scott of Grandview Avenue. Each awardee received handcrafted copper garden markers and tulip bulbs to plant in their spring gardens. The awards celebrate the time and dedication these gardeners invest in their yards, which often extend beyond the front to include back and side gardens as well.

Community Contributions and Gardening Practices

Historically, the Garden Club of Lake Placid has played a significant role in beautifying the community. The club transitioned from volunteer efforts to professional landscaping over the years but continues to maintain vital projects. Current contributions include caring for the courtyard garden at Elderwood of Uihlein Assisted Living and Rehab and the Triangle Garden located across from the North Elba Show Grounds.

Recent work sessions have seen local restaurants, including The Cottage and Lisa G’s, sponsor activities to support these gardening initiatives. In the Triangle Garden, volunteers added autumn ornamentals such as chrysanthemums, asters, millet, and kale, which beautifully complement the remaining black-eyed Susans, tall grasses, and hydrangeas.

The changing seasons have brought challenges, as this year, many areas outside the village have already experienced multiple frosts, unlike previous years when freezing temperatures held off until early November. With temperatures dropping into the mid-twenties, gardeners are now contemplating the best practices for fall cleanup.

Best Gardening Practices for Fall Cleanup

Opinions vary regarding the extent of fall garden cleanup. Factors influencing decisions include the need to provide food sources for birds by leaving standing stems with seed heads, limiting foliage cutting, and adding mulch for plant protection. Additionally, some gardeners choose to allow leaves to decay naturally, which helps return nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for purchased compost and fertilizers.

For those who may not return to their properties until spring, thorough cleanup is crucial. Heavy plant matter and mulch can lead to rot and disease as soil temperatures rise. Cleanup strategies depend on the variety of plants and the size and number of garden beds involved.

As the community enjoys the peak of autumn foliage, Garden Club of Lake Placid members also took the opportunity to appreciate the scenery with a gondola trip to the top of Whiteface Mountain. This event marks the conclusion of a year filled with educational trips and community gatherings. Looking ahead, the club plans to create 100 winter holiday swags to be displayed throughout the village, ensuring that the beauty of Lake Placid continues to thrive even in the colder months.