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Minutes of the Master Gardeners of Union County
Education Hours: 1/2 Hour
Volunteer Hours Earned: 1 1/2
HoursPresident, Marcia Kiss, called the meeting to order and introduced Barbi Conaway who provided the educational portion of the meeting.
Education:
Barbi introduced the concept of wintersowing to many of us with a hands-on demonstration. Wintersowing is the concept of placing seeds outside in protective containers over the winter until they germinate and begin growing in the warmer late winter or spring months. Any plastic container that can allow light to pass through can be used. The demonstration used a plastic clear milk jug. Holes are placed on bottom and on the side near the base. It is cut almost in half leaving the top attached and the cap is removed. Any potting soil can be used. Garden soil is not acceptable. About 4 inches are placed in the bottom and about a cup of water is added to the soil. Just about any seed can be used: tomatoes, flowers, herbs, and perennials. Seeds are added to the soil. The container is labeled. Barbi has found paint pens work best for labeling the containers. The jugs are then loosely sealed back together with duct tape and then placed outside. As the temperature warms, she begins to check the jugs for germination. She maintained a listing of what was planted, when and also when it germinated. Once germination begins, the lids are lifted and the plants watered. If the weather turns too cold, the lids are replaced to create a protective greenhouse. These plants are extremely hardy with good root systems and don't require the " hardening off" period that in-house grown plants require. She also has found this method avoids the problem of dampening off disease losses that can occur when starting plants indoors. Attendees had the opportunity to create their own jugs to take home and give it a try.
Meeting:
Secretary Report: There were no corrections or additions to the October, 2006 minutes. They were approved, as they were emailed.
Treasurer's Report: Audrey Hall reported that we have $702.49 in the OSU Development Fund and $9,064.44 on the bank statement. There was a $39.00 bill for postage in January, leaving a final January balance of $9,025.44. The 2007 budget had been prepared by the Finance Committee and was presented for approval. Audrey pointed out there were several new items added to the budget: Under Income: Bus Tour, Educational Workshops, and State Fees, Under Expenses: McCloud Park, Festfair, Earth Day, Service Project, and State Fees. The State fees were questioned as to why they were in both income and expense. The explanation since the State is now requiring $10 fee per active member, the committee was planning on collecting fees from the membership so it would be an income item and then an expense when it is sent to the State. The final budget did reflect a decrease in the total balance at the end of year and it was pointed out that increases/additions in Educational Expense, McCloud Park and Service Projects would go toward using some of the accumulated balance. It was also pointed out that there will remain a cushion available, if projects encounter unexpected /unavoidable expenses.
Eunice Hornsby moved to accept the budget, Marcia Lee seconded and the motion was approved.
Old Business:
Dublin Rec. Center: There was some uncertainty about the status of this project. The Dublin Rec. Center had inquired regarding having speakers for a spring program. 4-5 Master Gardeners had volunteered. There was some question as to why we would participate if Dublin is in Franklin County. It was pointed out that part of Dublin was also in Union County. The exact status was unclear and it was believed that Claire Loeffelman might have been in contact with them. Marsha Kiss indicated that she would follow-up with Claire on this project.
McCloud Park: Patsy Bushdorf indicated that she and Karen Long had been busy with planning for the upcoming year. The city had also included $500 in their budget for the park. They had met with Lane Stillings of the city and the city will again start plants in the city greenhouse. Clark Wood Products were going to be contacted to again donate mulch and Scotts for product donation. The city will be providing bags for yard waste.
Regarding the part of the park damaged by a car, the police had indicated that there would not be any insurance money for the damaged tree. The city will repair the fence. Patsy indicated that their plan is to research better replacement plants, possibly a shrub.
Workdays will begin in the end of March and will be scheduled ahead as a Saturday and one weekday evening. To keep costs down, the plants that can't be started from seed will be purchased wholesale. Tubers and bulbs, which were dug up last fall, will be started in the greenhouse in the next few weeks to insure good size plants for installation.
An overall plan for the garden is being developed and from that plan, a wish list of items will be created. This list would be available for anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of someone or for a special event.
Jerome Shapiro indicated that the newspaper would be interested in putting photographs before a workday. Patsy indicated a concern about opening work days to the public due to the limited number of MGs who usually come and the various levels of their knowledge as well the logistics of handling the public. She suggested using the newspaper to educate the public on what is the garden and why. This year they are planning to use some 2006 award winners as well as edible plants such as eggplants. The newspaper articles could also highlight any disease or pest problems found and how it is being treated.
Education: Chris Burnard pick up with the education items by discussing as vice president, she will be working on developing education programs and clinics this year. Some initial ideas included have some evening or Saturday classes for Master Gardeners to help in getting education hours since there is no new class being held this year. This could be expanded to the public and outside speakers could be invited to participate. The upcoming survey should also provide direction for topics. Any ideas on topics, format or speakers should be forward to Chris Burnard. Chris also passed around a book with current topics/issues in horticulture and gardening. Members were asked to sign up to provide a 5-minute synopsis on an article at an upcoming meeting.
Adopt A Pot: George McVey gave an update, indicating that they will have 41 units to be planted. The theme will be red, white and blue, using red and white geraniums and blue petunias. The cost will again be $15.00 per barrel and the planting date is May 26, 2007, 9 -11AM. 4 -H members will assist in the planting and a wrap up pizza party will be held at the completion. Plants are scheduled to be purchased from Keith Scheiderer.
Plant Sale: Nancy Mead asked for members interested in planning the plant sale to sign up. The tentative sale date is again the 3rd Saturday in August, August 25, 2007.
CYOC: Eunice Hornsby reported that approximately 12 members met January 17 to begin developing plans for the CYOC Gardens this year. The strategic plan had two components: 1) Develop a good productive vegetable garden. 2) Plan and install flower beds, arranged so they can be seen from the inmates' cells. The group will meet again January 31 at 6:30 PM in the Scarlet Room. Next steps include dividing into small work groups to work on Site Assessment, Budget, Donation Solicitation, Vegetable/Fruit /Flower selection, and Installation. Eunice has a lead on soil amendments from Ohio Mulch and asked George to confirm how we can provide tax deductibility for future donations.
Members' Survey: Eunice also discussed the upcoming member survey, which came out of last fall's focus group. A web based survey will be available shortly and will have three main sections: 1) Review of current projects and members level of interest, 2) Listing of potential /current new projects and members' level of interest, 3) Personal gardening interests.
Members will receive an email with the link to the survey website. The survey service compiles all the answers and provides us a summary of results. For those with no Internet availability, a paper copy will be provided and once completed, entered into the website so it will be included in the summary.
Focus Group: Claire Loeffelman will be presenting the results from the Focus Group next month.
Coordinator's Report: George McVey reported on several topics.
- Emerald Ash Borer: There is an upcoming meeting on the Emerald Ash Borer on January 31. He encouraged members to attend because trees can be saved if one knows how. He has also posted education signs on Ash trees throughout the city.
- 2007 Class: Since there were only 7 participants signed up for the classes, it was decided that that was not enough to offer classes. He also indicated that Delaware and Logan Counties have had decreases in enrollments as well.
- Local Newspaper: George also indicated that there are new staff members at the newspaper writing the agriculture section. He felt that we might be able to get more coverage in the future.
- Tour of Garden: As of the meeting, there was still no chairman for the 2007 Tour of Gardens. Gardens had been reviewed last fall and Nancy Mead indicated that she had pictures. Mary Ann Haynes indicated that 2 garden owners had been contacted and one had consented. Others were not contacted until a direction was determined. Ideas regarding what to do regarding the Tour were asked for. Amber Haynes shared an idea of having a Garden Party at the Ag Center focusing on education and the beds at the Ag Center. The attendees seemed interested in this concept and Amber agreed to be the chairperson. It was noted that letters should be sent to the two contacted garden owners explaining the change in direction for this year and that they may be contacted for a future tour.
- Marysville Public Library: The library had asked for speakers and we had 5 volunteers. This year the library only has a need for 2.
- State
Fees: The new State Coordinator, Pam Bennett, had announced that the
State would be charging $10 per active, certified members. This money will
be used to develop state programs and support. Due to this change,
our constitution will need to be updated to reflect this requirement for
active members.
Jerome Shapiro made a motion that each member will pay the $10.00 and if they can not afford this, the fee will be paid from our funds. Johanna Keiser seconded. The motion passed with 1 opposed by Eunice Hornsby. Checks should be made out to Union County Master Gardeners and be sent to Audrey Hall at P.O. Box 122, 106 Main Street, Unionville, OH 43077.
- Project of the Year: George also indicated that we had several persons and projects that qualified to be submitted to the State for Master Gardener and Project of the Year. Chris Burnard suggested that he send the list that was used to select the local winners to members for their vote on who/what should be submitted.
- Bus Tour: Charlotte Bryant has prepared a bus tour to the Toledo Botanical Garden and Schedel Arboretum and Gardens. The date is planned for May 19, 2007, leaving 8 AM and returning at 7 PM. 35 participants are needed with MGs being given first choices and then opening up to spouses or public, if needed. The cost would be $39.50 for 35 participants, $35.50 for 40, $32.50 for 46. Educational hours would be given for the activity. Members requested that Charlotte be contacted to see if additional dates could be made available.
- Other
New Projects: Several projects have been requested by community groups.
A Richwood 4-H Club has asked for speakers on pruning, propagation, and
bad bugs. Karen Long indicated that the Veterans Memorial has requested
the MGs develop its landscape design. This project is urgent since the plan
needs to be finished by end of February and will be a high profile activity.
Richwood has contacted the MG to design the landscaping at the buildings
at the fairground for the Independent Fair. George expressed a concern
that a committee is needed to review the various projects coming in and
determine our possible involvement. A similar process had been used in the
past but appears it has not been in use in recent years.
Eunice Hornsby made a motion to establish a committee of 3 -5 members to review project requests, culling out some, and bring the results to the group. Kristie Gardner seconded. The motion was approved. Jerome Shapiro indicated an interest in serving on this committee.
- Farmer's Market Festival: The MGs have been asked to participate in the Farmer's Market Festival scheduled for August 11, 2007. We can set up our tent and do educational activities and sell plants.
- Leaping Frog Award: Last month's winner, Charita Cooper, presented the award to her sister, Kristy Garner.
- Welcome Back: Longtime member, Ellen Evans was welcomed back to our meetings.
Members in attendance:
| Kathy Altizer |
Eunice Horsnby |
| Debbie Brown |
Barbara Jackson |
| Al Burnard |
Joe Johnson |
| Christine Burnard |
Dilu Juvarkar |
| Patricia Bushdoft |
Johanna Keiser |
| Barbi Conaway |
Marsha Kiss |
| Charita Cooper |
Hazel Lawruk |
| Meg Cryder |
Marcia Lee |
| Ellen Evans |
Kim Main |
| Kristie Garner |
George McVey |
| Carolyn Gibeaut |
Nancy Mead |
| Harvey Goertz |
John Miller |
| Roberta Gordon |
Jill Ricker |
| Audrey Hall |
Rebecca Rowe |
| Scheral Greider |
Jerome Shapiro |
| Amber Haynes |
John Walkup |
| Mary Ann Haynes |
OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director.
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Revised February, 2007