Common Ground: Community Garden at St. John's

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Common Ground: Community Garden at St. John's Located on 4th Avenue SE behind St. John’s Episcopal Church between Jackson Street and Gordon Driv Our garden began in 2012 as 10 raised beds.

With the hard work and dedication of many people and financial assistance from the Diocese of Alabama, we continue to grow and change as all good gardens do. This page will document the history of our garden, keep people informed about what's growing and what's going on in the garden.

The Aster family (Asteraceae) is one of the largest families of flowering plants. Right now you can see three in Common...
10/15/2026

The Aster family (Asteraceae) is one of the largest families of flowering plants. Right now you can see three in Common Ground. The Swamp Sunflowers are a sight to see, but you have to crane your neck because they are way up high! The Aromatic Asters under the informational sign are blooming also, another feast for the eyes and good fall nutrition for the bees, butterflies, and other insects. The Climbing Carolina Aster has a few early blooms on it but will be a showstopper in a week or so. Tip for nurturing the pollinators during the fall season: Plant native asters, not hot house chrysanthemums. Asters have way more nectar than mums and they bloom longer and later!

It's that time of year when a lot of us just have the itch to clean up the garden. But let's think about the life that c...
10/10/2026

It's that time of year when a lot of us just have the itch to clean up the garden. But let's think about the life that continues to live in those unkempt spots and maybe do a little less!

Indian Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) is still blooming in the garden along with a few other things. Put this great native ...
10/02/2026

Indian Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) is still blooming in the garden along with a few other things. Put this great native on your list for next spring's planting if you don't have it already. Easy to grow, attracts pollinators, and deer resistant. AND it reseeds!!

There are still a few blooms in the garden, but noticeably lots of seed pods here and there, especially on our Blackeyed...
10/02/2026

There are still a few blooms in the garden, but noticeably lots of seed pods here and there, especially on our Blackeyed Susans, Blanket Flowers, and Coneflowers. We have collected and saved some but will leave most for the birds and for possible new plants in the spring as some fall here and there around the garden. Take a look around your garden and see what seed you might like to save.

"...there’s always a reason to hope when you’re growing seeds and you’re planting seeds, because you’re believing in a future. And seed’s power to adapt is one of its many teachings and ultimate testimony to how incredible plants are and how much this original relationship, this pact, has allowed both of us to flourish in its best iterations." Bill Braun

Listen to this fascinating podcast about saving seeds. There is text if you just want to read.

https://awaytogarden.com/knowing-and-saving-the-seed-with-bill-braun-of-freed-seed-federation/

These natives, American Beautyberry and Obedient Plants, are giving us September color in the NE corner of the garden. B...
09/17/2026

These natives, American Beautyberry and Obedient Plants, are giving us September color in the NE corner of the garden. Both, believe it or not, are in the mint family.

The Obedients don't live up to their name as far as staying put in the ground! If they are in a happy place, they will spread to the point of being invaders. They are easily controlled, though, and have high value nectar so are great for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They get their name from their trait of the flower stem staying in place for a while once it has been bent until it gradually moves back toward the sun, hours or even days later.

There is a lot to be said about the usefulness of the American Beautyberry. From food for wildlife to insect repellent and jams for humans! Here is one of many articles on this great bush. https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/growing-trees-shrubs

September advice for gardeners! As summer wanes, Common Ground still has blooms here and there. Get ready for the gold...
09/01/2026

September advice for gardeners! As summer wanes, Common Ground still has blooms here and there. Get ready for the goldenrod! But soon, the garden will take on a slightly unkempt look. That's on purpose since we are feeding the birds and creating winter habit for some of our smaller creatures.

Your coneflowers are probably dwindling now as are those at Common Ground. If you leave those seed pods, the birds will ...
08/17/2026

Your coneflowers are probably dwindling now as are those at Common Ground. If you leave those seed pods, the birds will love them. And some of those seeds will find new life as they sprout next year and bring you another crop of native pollinator nourishment, not to mention their beauty.

If you are looking for a quick-growing, native ground cover, frogfruit is a great choice. It's low maintenance and has t...
08/04/2026

If you are looking for a quick-growing, native ground cover, frogfruit is a great choice. It's low maintenance and has tiny white blooms all summer and fall. And it is a pollinator magnet! https://nativebackyards.com/frog-fruit/

Our native Ironweed (Vernonia) with its purple flowers is just beginning to bloom and looks so nice with the Blackeyed S...
08/04/2026

Our native Ironweed (Vernonia) with its purple flowers is just beginning to bloom and looks so nice with the Blackeyed Susans in the background. Both are pollinator magnets! Both are easy to grow; low maintenance.

Several things are blooming at Common Ground in these hot days. Stop by and take a look. These happy faces of Blanket F...
07/13/2026

Several things are blooming at Common Ground in these hot days. Stop by and take a look. These happy faces of Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia) are among those dancing in the wind. Lots of good things to be said about this attractive and easy to grow native. https://www.almanac.com/plant/blanket-flowers-gaillardia

Address

Decatur, AL

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 8pm
Tuesday 6am - 8pm
Wednesday 6am - 8pm
Thursday 6am - 8pm
Friday 6am - 8pm
Saturday 6am - 8pm
Sunday 6am - 8pm

Telephone

+12563539615

Website

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