Education:

President, Karen Long, opened the meeting and introduced our educational speaker, Al Burnard.  Al’s presentation topic was “Growing Bare Root Plants and Trees”.  He explained the ODNR designation: the first number indicated the age or years in a seedbed, and the second indicated the time in a transplant bed.  For example a tree designated 2-0 had been in a seedbed for two years, but had never been transplanted. The trees are mechanically harvested, rinsed and packaged. By the time they reach the end user, they have been out of the ground for 1-2 weeks.  They should, therefore, be planted immediately.  Al discussed the advantages and disadvantages of planting in containers such as grow bags.  In order to demonstrate, one sample grow bag was cut open to reveal the root growth during the previous season.  The education segment closed with questions and answers.    

Becky gave the Treasurer’s Report. Expenditures for the month were $133.19 (educational - puppet show and the tour of gardens).  Income for the month was as follows:  $195 from Adopt-A-Pot, $16 from Cookbook Sales and $73 from the Tour of Gardens

President, Karen Long, noted that the end of April marked the close of the year as regards to volunteer and educational hours.

Jerome Shapiro was not present at the meeting. The comment was made that the annuals were planted at the last workday as well as some roses. The next scheduled workday will be Saturday, June 11.

Miriam Carson stated that things are progressing well on the tour committee. All the garden chairs had been visiting the garden sites.  Miriam requested that when the chairs meet with their sub-committees they remind everyone to carpool to the sites on tour day. The major focus at this time is on putting together the program book, which will include information on each garden as well as fact sheets for the demonstrations. An attempt is being made to obtain sponsors to help offset the cost of printing. Posters are being available for distribution as well as brochures to be passed out.  It was requested that pre-sale ticket revenue be turned in by the next meeting, June 22.  Barb Jackson, who will be doing a presentation on container gardening, requested that any Master Gardener who might be interested in displaying one of their unique containers at the Ag Center on tour day contact her.

Garden Party/Plant Sale:

Adopt-A-Pot:

George McVey reported in Cindy Shuster’s absence.  40 pots around the county were filled with plants from Cuthbert’s Greenhouse.  These included wave petunias and geraniums.  In addition to the Master Gardeners, volunteers also included a number of youth from 4-H groups and their advisers.  Following the planting session, a pizza party was held.

Barb Ramm was unavailable for report.  Johanna Keiser was in attendance at the last work session and reported that approximately 12-15 Master Gardeners worked on thinning and separating plants in the beds with the assistance of 4-Hers. 

Puppet Show:

Field Trip

Coordinator’s Report

George commented that we have 58 cookbooks available.  A suggestion was made to sell them at the Tour of Gardens.  A motion was made by Sharon Wade and seconded by Patsy Bushdorf to lower the price to $5.  The motion passed with one opposed.  An article submitted by Roberta Gordon on the Monarch Marvin Puppet Show was published in the “Volunteer Spirit”.  George requested $250 be approved for gifts and books for the recognition banquet.  A motion was made to approve this expenditure by Al Burnard and seconded by Marsha Kiss.  The motion passed unopposed.  Regarding “The Gardening Times”, George stated he has received several articles he requested, and he urged those who were submitting articles to have them in by June first.  A suggestion was made to add the web address to record hours in the newsletter.  Several Master Gardeners participated in the Earth Day activities.  A project request has been submitted to assist the MRDD house on Fourth Street with a raised bed vegetable garden.  George will obtain further details.  Upcoming events include the Secrist Academy for Landscape Science & Art, a horticulture show in Centerberg, the Summer Garden Tour in Summit County, and a diagnostic worship in Springfield.  Please contact George for further details if you are interested in any of these events. 

Karen Long asked if anyone was working on the Photo Contest this year. She encouraged everyone to begin taking garden photos.

Marsha Kiss read a thank you note from the Union County Senior Fair (several Master Gardeners set up a table at the fair). A suggestion was made to purchase reusable plant markers for the Tour of Gardens. The committee will look into the cost and see if it would be feasible within their budget.

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