Serenity Garden continues in a new location
Harkness, NY June 25, 2026 – Eighteen years ago, Art Ford dug his shovel into a hillside known as Serenity Garden on Clintonville Road, about 1.4 miles west of Harkness four-corners. Last Sunday, June 21, Ford opened a new chapter in the garden’s history by moving Serenity Garden to Clintonville, adjacent to the Methodist Church Thrift Store and in sight of the Ausable Valley School District offices.
Last Sunday, Ford erected a sign at the Garden’s former location that reads: “No Trespassing, Due to extreme theft and vandalism, Serenity Garden has moved to Clintonville. The Food Stable will be at the Serenity Garden Greenhouse. Hope to see you there. Art.”
Ford explained, “We started fixing the garden up for the spring. We’ve always lost stuff over the years. These last few years have been worse. This year, they really ramped it up. When we put plants down by the Cross, in two days they took almost every plant we put in.”
Ford said, “No matter what happens in your life, you’re going to have things happen to you. You’ll have things on the good side and on the bad side. If you dwell on the bad side, you’ll miss the good side. It’s not like the Garden has ended. The Cross is here, food staple is running, flowers are here, the angel is here, the same as always. People can still get involved in this garden and become a part of it.”
Ford said people donated virtually all the flowers and hardware in his old garden, adding, “They want you to make something out of it. I never know what I’m doing. The Lord’s always doing his thing. It’s not like it’s a bad thing for the garden to move. It was time to move it anyway, to make something cool.”
A logger by profession, Ford is using an excavator and brute strength to make space for a new Serenity Garden. A high rock wall made from rocks he unearthed with the excavator is a testament to the hard work he’s put in. People have already donated hand-painted rocks. There are a few changes: hanging plants are for sale in a greenhouse. Nearby perennials surround the Cross and there’s a beautiful mountain view in the background. Beginning on Monday, June 29, Art plans to be selling fresh cake donuts from his food truck. He also hopes to have his soft ice cream machine operational soon.
The word “serenity” is defined as a state of calm, peace, and untroubledness. Speak to Art Ford, you’ll sense that state, and it will likely rub off on you. Please react to this story positively. That’s the reaction Art wants you to have.
Click here to read our September 1, 2024 story on Serenity Garden
Click here to read our September 4, 2021 story on Serenity Garden
Click here to read our May 19, 2014 story on Serenity Garden
Posted: June 25th, 2026 under General News.