A one time eyesore in the middle of town -- a weedy, vacant lot -- has been turned into a glorious community garden.

The idea for the garden had been around for several years, but the seeds finally got sown when Sharon Piper, from the Town’s Tourism Destination Council was asked to identify areas that needed sprucing up.

"This is a fun way to bring the community together,” Sharon told Schroon Laker. Several hurdles had to be cleared -- as well as a whole lot of weeds -- on the lot between the Glens Falls Bank and the building where Higher Grounds and the Upstate Insurance Company call home.

“The property is owned by the bank and when I went to get permission I asked them to ‘Give peas a chance.’”

That one liner not only cracked up the manager -- but helped seal the deal for the bank to give its blessing on the project. Next stop was Town Supervisor Cathy Moses, who was “very enthusiastic about the garden”.

Sharon’s group came up with a set of guidelines and once approved by the Town, they rallied a group of volunteers. “The Lions Club built the boxes the beds are in and we did it at Word Of Life. We got a large donation of plants from Mike at Green Thumb Nursery in Fort Ann.”

Among those renting a plot for the season are the Lion’s Club, growing food exclusively for the Food Bank, the Library growing flowers and the 4H Club, whose members planted potatoes and beans. So far 14 out of the 19 boxes have been rented. There were originally 20 boxes but one vanished from the lot.

“We want people to meet each other whose path’s wouldn’t normally cross, and this is a unique way to do it.”

Did you rent a spot in the community garden?. What did you plant in your own summer garden? Tell us about it in comments