Education:

After President Karen Long opened the meeting, Claire Loeffelman introduced the evening’s educational speaker, Carolyn Gibeaut, who gave a presentation on Unusual Herbs – History and Uses. Carolyn shared some very interesting information on several non-culinary herbs: rue, tansy, southernwood, horehound, and feverfew. With the caveat that she was not an herbalist and was not intending to promote the use of these herbs for medicinal purposes, Carolyn explained that from ancient times, throughout the Middle Ages, and even into modern times, many herbs were used to treat various illnesses. Rue is one of the oldest plants grown. It was known as an “anti-magic or anti-curse” cure. It is definitely a “looker – not a cooker”. In fact, many people are allergic to it. Tansy is very aromatic, and was used as an air freshener. Its name comes from the Greek word for immortality. Horehound is named for the Egyptian God Horus. It is part of the mint family. Historically, it was used medicinally; even today it is often used to flavor cough drops. Southernwood was known traditionally as the “lovers plant” and was considered an aphrodisiac. It has very delicate foliage and is often used in dried arrangements. Feverfew is a member of the daisy family. It is very hardy and will self sow. It has historically been used medicinally; and recent research indicates that it is effective in the treatment of migraines.

Secretary:

There were no changes or corrections to the minutes of the June meeting and they stood approved as submitted.

Treasurer:

Becky gave the Treasurer’s Report. Income for the month was $1,012.75 (Tour of Gardens). Expenses totaled $1,232.96.

Timekeeper:

Mary Ann Haynes reminded everyone that due to limited space and the volume of information on line, some of the volunteer time details were “hidden”. She also commented that only a few individuals did not fulfill their volunteer time requirements to remain active members. After several years of service, Mary Ann and Amber are turning over the time keeping responsibilities to Phil Jackson.

Old Business:

McCloud Park

The next workday will be August 13. An article on “Work and Play at McCloud Park” appeared in the recent Gardening Times Newsletter.

Garden Tour:

Miriam Carson was not present. Treasurer, Becky Rowe, reported on the finances of the tour. To date, income totaled $3,774 with $1,217.41 in expenses. She stated that not all expenses were turned in yet. However, it does appear that the tour was a financial as well as a critical success.

Garden Party/Plant Sale:

Kathy Altizer stated that the plant sale would take place in the Armory at the fairgrounds. Plants should be delivered between 4 -6 pm the evening prior to the sale. The pots should be cleaned, labeled and well watered. A committee meeting is scheduled for August 24 at 6:30 pm. Danny’s Greenhouse will be selling mums at the sale. Plant markers are available. A suggestion was made to use pictures and information from catalogs to help label the plants. Publicity is going well and the multi-use signs are being turned around (from Tour of Gardens to plant sale).

Adopt-A-Pot

Pots will be changed out in the fall to suitable plantings.

Historical Society

Barb Ramm reported that they are making recommendations for next year.

Puppet Show:

Jill Ricker was absent. A report was made that Jill did present the Marvelous Marvin Puppet Show at the tour as well as introducing a new show, Suga’ Magnolia.

Legacy Garden:

John Walkup reported that they are looking to start from scratch and will redesign and solicit new plant material. An email will be sent out asking for volunteers. A comment was made that the county plans to redo the lawn area at the Agricultural Center next year.

Field Trip:

Mary McDonald was not present. It was reported that approximately 11 individuals attended the trip to Rothschild Farm on Wednesday, July 20. Those who went felt that it was a success. Another trip is being planned to Inniswood Garden on September 17. Please RSVP to Mary (614-873-3558 or mcbumper@netzero.net.)

Leaping Frog Award:

Nancy Wells won the drawing (the award was given to the entire class of 2005) to take home the frog for the month. Apparently, the frog had quite a time at Nancy’s home. She began an exercise program (to lose weight after pregnancy) and met a cement frog in Nancy’s garden. She became enamored with Kermit while watching “Sesame Street” and apparently ran off to Hollywood in search of fame, fortune, and Kermit. Luckily she returned home in time for this meeting. Nancy shared various photographs of the frog’s activity during the month. Following this quite involved story, Nancy awarded the frog in absentia to Miriam Carson.

Coordinator’s Report:

George asked for a volunteer to create a computerized list of the names and addresses of those attending the tour. This needs to be done in order to send promotional material next year. Another volunteer opportunity would be speakers/presenters for the Union County Fall Home and Garden Show in September. Gloria Richardson offered to talk on gourds and Carolyn Gibeaut agreed to present the herb talk she shared with us this evening.

We watched a few minutes of the Garden Tour DVD created by Nancy Wells, and all agreed it was an excellent production. All tour hosts will receive a copy. Someone had expressed an interest in purchasing other copies. A discussion was held regarding the price to be charged and if this could be a fund-raiser. However, concerns were voiced regarding permission by the tour hosts and the fact that their names and addresses were included. Barb Ramm made a motion that additional copies be given (at no charge) to the tour host requesting them; and the motion was approved. A committee will be formed to make appropriate plans for a DVD of next year’s tour that could be sold. A suggestion was made to show the entire DVD at the banquet this fall so that all Master Gardeners present will be able to enjoy it.

George stated that he had received a request from the Western Region to provide $100 towards the State Conference at Lima. Claire made the appropriate motion and a donation of $100 was approved. A vendor’s table will be made available for our group at the conference. In response to a question from the floor, George stated that additional information on the upcoming conference should be available soon.

Regarding the MRDD window box project on Fourth Street, Claire volunteered to apply a base coat to the herb boxes. A volunteer is still needed to decorate the window boxes. On another topic, Pam Bennet is looking for a volunteer to participate in the committee to judge on the state level. This will take place in early September. George showed several CD roms he had received (on various gardening topics). Kathy Altizer volunteered to preview the CDs.

Other Business

Roberta Gordon reported on Earth Day. Eight master gardeners participated in the event held at the fairgrounds. Despite bad weather, they felt positive about the event; and expressed their hope and belief that it would be better next year. Additionally, an article on the event was published in the National Wildlife newsletter.

Claire reported on upcoming meetings: Jerome Shapiro will speak on Jpanese Flower arranging at the August meeting. In September, the Delaware Master Gardeners will join us for the Annual Tomato Festival. There will be no business meeting in September. Roberta Gordon will share a presentation on gourds in October. Finally, our recognition banquet is scheduled for November.

Members in attendance:

John Miller	Claire Loeffelman
Audrey Hall	Jane Payne
Joe Johnson	Cathie Dally
Gloria Richardson	Barb Ramm
Nancy Wells	Jennifer Ardrey
Marcia Lee	Roberta Gordon
Dilu Juvarkar	Joan Griffin
Nancy Mead	Becky Rowe
Karen Long	Phil Jackson
Carolyn Gibeaut	Susan Kinzer
Kristine Kinzer	Donna Grimes
Barb Jackson	Kathy Altizer
Ian Pasco	Dorothy Coleman
Mary Ann Haynes	Susan Pasco
George McVey	John Walkup
John Cheroki

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Revised September, 2005