The Garden Club of Lake Placid celebrated the end of the gardening season by presenting its annual Green Thumb Awards to several local gardeners who have enhanced their neighborhoods with vibrant flower displays. Four homeowners received handcrafted copper garden markers and tulip bulbs for their efforts, acknowledging the dedication and time invested in nurturing their gardens.
The award recipients included Jenifer Briggs from Church Street, Deborah Pelkey from Acorn Street, and Dorine and Ed Peregrim from Liberty Hill Lane, along with Carol and Karl Scott from Grandview Avenue. The gardeners expressed their delight at being recognized for their skills, which often extend beyond front yards to back and side gardens as well.
Community Contributions and Seasonal Changes
Historically, the Garden Club of Lake Placid has played a significant role in beautifying the community, transitioning from volunteer-led initiatives to professional gardening services over the years. Presently, the club maintains 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 were supported by local restaurants, including The Cottage and Lisa G’s.
This fall, the Triangle Garden received ornamental additions such as chrysanthemums, asters, millet, and kale. These new plants complement the existing black-eyed Susans, tall grasses, and hydrangeas. Unlike last year’s late onset of freezing temperatures, this season has already seen several frosts in open areas outside the village, prompting gardeners to prepare for winter.
As temperatures drop into the mid-twenties, many gardeners face decisions about cleanup. Factors influencing these choices include maintaining standing stems with seed heads for birds, minimizing foliage reduction while adding mulch for plant protection, and allowing leaves to decompose for soil enrichment. Each approach varies based on individual gardening philosophies and the specific plants involved.
Preparing for Winter and Future Activities
For seasonal residents and vacation homeowners, a thorough fall garden cleanup becomes essential, especially if they are not returning in the spring. Accumulated heavy, wet plant matter can lead to rot and disease as temperatures rise. Cleanup strategies depend on the variety and extent of gardens, with careful consideration needed for cleaning beds effectively.
Many members of the Garden Club of Lake Placid also enjoyed the vibrant fall foliage during a recent outing on the gondola to the top of Whiteface Mountain. This excursion marked the culmination of a busy year filled with educational events and community activities. Looking ahead, the club will gather to create 100 winter holiday swags, which will be displayed throughout the village for residents and visitors to appreciate.
The ongoing efforts of the Garden Club of Lake Placid not only beautify the community but also foster a sense of camaraderie among residents. As the gardening season concludes, the club continues to engage with the community through its initiatives, ensuring that Lake Placid remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
