Education:

President, Karen Long, opened the meeting and welcomed all present. Claire Loeffelman introduced the evening’s educational speaker, Master Gardener Roberta Gordon. Roberta presented an informative and entertaining talk on gourds. She began with the history of the plant. The gourd has been called “one of nature’s greatest gifts to mankind". Of all the known plants, the gourd is the only one that experts believe truly span the globe. It is one of the first cultivated plants in history. Gourd seeds have been found all over the world. It is believed they originated in Africa. Throughout history gourds have been used for a variety of purposes: food, medicine, storage, cooking utensils, water dippers, clothing, currency, musical instruments, jewelry, arts, paper, religious & ceremonial rites...…the list goes on and on. The gourd is in the same family as pumpkins, squash, melons, and cucumbers. It grows on a vine with tendrils and has both male and female on the same plant. Gourds are not difficult to grow; but it is important to start with good seeds. If you want to grow specialty gourds, Roberta recommended purchasing seeds from a reputable supplier. Gourds are hybrids and will cross-pollinate within the species.  Remember; do not let the seeds freeze until after they have been cured. Gourds should be planted after the temperature and soil are warm, usually around the first of June, as the seeds will rot if the soil is cold. Regarding how to plant gourd seeds, Roberta elaborated on several of the very detailed folklore myths from different cultures about gourd planting. They do require a long growing season, approximately 120 days frost-free. Also, they require a considerable amount of space, although they start off rather slowly. You must wait until the vines mature before attempting to harvest your gourds or the gourds will rot. Gourds need to be cured in a warm, well-ventilated place. A mild bleach solution will clean off the mold. The mold can be dangerous, especially if you have allergies; so be sure to clean them well, inside and out in a well-ventilated area. Gourds can be decorated with carvings, wood burning, stain, paint, varnish, polish, etc.  Roberta than passed around several of the examples she had on display.  Gloria Richardson, also a gourd aficionado, showed samples of her work as well. All in all, it was an exceptional presentation, as Roberta’s enthusiasm for her topic was contagious.

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

Becky gave the Treasurer’s Report. Expenses totaled $443.95 (Adopt-A-Pot and the Recognition Banquet).

Timekeeper: 

Old Business

New Business:

Mary McDonald has agreed to audit the books again this year. Current officers were requested to remain after the adjournment of the regular meeting for a short discussion. A reminder was again given to vote for your favorites in the Photo Contest.

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