Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
February 12, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Community Center
Josh welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Josh and seconded by Louisa to approve the minutes of the January 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported that she has received 461 applications. The deadline is February 15th. We have 581 total plots. There have been a handful of problems with the applications. One applicant wanted a particular plot and they owe a workday fee. A previous gardener must pay their workday fee. Another problem is people applying at the lowered student rate who are not full time UW students. Another problem is that quite a few people paid their workday fee, but it went to their rent instead. Lastly, one applicant asked that the contact email not be used until Valentine’s Day because the garden plot was a present, which is a nice problem.
Gretel reported the finances for Angus. We are at the highest point of our financial year and on budget. We are buying carts, tools and investing in plumbing upgrades.
Ulrike asked when University Houses will get renovated. Gretel said starting July 1st. Ulrike said she is worried that the road will be blocked. Gretel asked to be called if the road is blocked.
Ben asked if there are any problems with Eagle Heights parking. Gretel said she didn’t think so.
Gretel said there is a problem with someone who plot wasn’t tilled last year, but they paid for it. We need a list of plots that didn’t get tilled last year. Adam said they (Will and Adam) will tell Gretel when a plot is not tilled. Will said they have tilling records back to 2009.
Co-Chair report
Jenn reported that we received about $1000 in donations to our UW Foundation account. She is planning to send thank you letters in April, as she did last year. Josh said that he thought this as very good considering that the only solicitation is one email a year.
Jenn suggested that the Garden Opening be pushed back a week to March 22. Discussion ensued. Josh asked if everyone was in agreement. The committee agreed to the change.
Opening day March 22, 2014
Orientations: The orientation sheet will include the new page of rules about theft.
March 22 Noon at Eagle Heights
Noon at University Houses
March 23 Noon at Eagle Heights
March 25 5:30 at Eagle Heights
March 26 5:30 at Eagle Heights
March 29 Noon at Eagle Heights
Noon at University Houses
Orientations with translators for Chinese will also be arranged by Gretel. It is important that we try to explain how the garden works and how to be a good garden neighbor to all gardeners.
Gretel said the seed sort will be a potluck. The seed sort volunteers do not receive workday credit. Some of the seeds are sorted from last year. Karen, Ann, Ulrike and Ben will help Gretel set up on Friday at 4pm.
Volunteers for the seed fair will receive four hour workday credit and will arrive at 8am Saturday, the 29th of March to set up. We have enough seeds to give out 15 packets per plot.
New Sign
Jenn reports that UW Housing is offering us a new sign that would be by the road. Gretel suggests that we move our old sign to the cart area. and take the new sign from Housing. The committee was in agreement.
Discussion ensued about a standard sign for University Houses, which hasn’t been offered yet. Adam suggested that it might be good to get one because University Houses gets forgotten about. It was decided that a good place for one would be where the dirt road hits the parking lot. The committee agreed that it would be good to ask for on that said University Houses Garden.
Co-Chair Graduating
Josh said he would be finishing in May. Discussion ensued about his replacement. Jenn will be staying, which will provide some continuity. It would be good to have another student or resident as Co-Chair. Karen thanked Josh for his good job as Co-Chair and the committee agreed.
Important Dates for 2014
Application for 2014 DUE February 15, 2014
Opening day March 22, 2014
Seed Fair March 29, 2014
Cool weather plant sale April 20
Warm weather plant sale May 18
Adjourned before 7:42 by Josh.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:00 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Jenn, Josh, Tianxing, Alison, Alice, Sandra, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Will, Louisa, Malcom, Adam and Melita.
Jenn welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Josh and seconded by Louisa to approve the minutes of the February 2014 meeting with the correction pointed out by Gretel that she does not have Korean translators for orientation. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported that she recently sent the first gardener emails and many bounced, which she must fix. There are 900 names on the list! There are 463 plots at Eagle Heights and 101 at University Houses. There are two plots at each garden set aside for fixing problems. One application was postmarked correctly, but came in late and another few have problems with the fee getting applied to the UW Housing rent incorrectly. We have 6 on the waiting list and 3 new applications today.
Gretel reported that the trends this year include more returning gardeners in University Houses small plots. We have more alumni and community members, more small plots gardeners staying with the small plot and fewer tilling applications.
Gretel proposes that F8 at University Houses be returned to community space. F8 has a big tree stump and a nearby black walnut, making it a difficult plot. Will suggests that it would be good for currants. The committee agrees to return F8 to community space.
Gretel said we also need to walk around the plots and check the numbers. Adam, Sandra and Malcom will check the numbers at University Houses and Gretel, Melita, Will, Adam and Jenn will check Eagle Heights’ numbers at noon on Sunday.
Orientations
Gretel said the notes for the orientation include the new section on rules. Will and Adam will demonstrate the use of the new broadfork toll during their orientations. Will said we need to stress no weeds in the dumpster! Gretel said we need a sign “No weeds in the dumpster”.
March 22 Noon at Eagle Heights, Noon at University Houses; March 23 Noon at Eagle Heights; March 25 5:30 at Eagle Heights; March 26 5:30 at Eagle Heights; March 29 Noon at Eagle Heights, Noon at University Houses
Seed Fair
The seed sort will be on Friday, March 28th. The seeds will be removed from the attic at 1pm and the seed sort will start at 6:30 with a potluck. No workday credit is given for the seed sort.
Seed Fair volunteers will arrive at 8am Saturday, March 29th. There will be tables for the Friends of the Preserve, St. Vincent de Paul food donation program, the UW horticulture department and row cover sales, along with the usual seed give away. Adam said we have the list of varieties for the plant sale. Gretel will make a plant sale poster for the fair.
Gretel said that at a meeting of the Madison Community Gardens their plot fees are graduated and depend on the income of the gardener. Their plots come with just the water and the plot. Our fee seems reasonable considering that we also have tools, leaves and other things available.
Garden Worker Report
Will said we have a pallet of 12 carts waiting to be assembled along with a number of maintenance free wheels.We will have a much better cart fleet. The wheel without the tube cannot get flat but it can still bend! We can’t get delivery yet because UW Physical Plant still has the salters on the trucks.
Will said he wrote a grant to a tool company and is receiving a free broadfork ($185) with a lifetime guarantee. There are videos of people using it and he thinks it would work well on wire grass. Gretel said it should be checked out and returned to the shed.
Will said he went to the Lakeshore Nature group meeting that occurs once a month. The Biocore Prairie, which is north and east of the garden is having trouble getting prairie established. The weeds are growing too fast and they think the soil is too fertile. One of the proposals for the Biocore prairie was to remove 12 inches of topsoil off the top of the field. They decided not to do this as they don’t have money or budget for it. Will said another idea they had was to push the western half to the eastern half with a bulldozer.
Will suggested to them that they continue to plant oats. Adam said that last year they thought they would grow GMO corn and spray, but they changed their minds. Gretel reported that some years back they planted GMO soybeans and sprayed, but it didn’t work to control the weeds. Will asked Josh if they would have to plow if they use a seed drill. Josh said there are no till seed drills. Will said they plowed the area for 4 years. Josh said that the plowing would denutrify the soil. Gretel said that the prairie that the Biocore wants to establish at the top of the hill is a wet mesic prairie. Gretel reports that some of the gardeners in the 1300’s have trouble with weeds.
Ann asked how this committee, the Lakeshore Nature group is formed. Will said it is an appointed committee.
Ann suggested that we need to talk about plumbing projects next meeting.
Co-Chair report
Jenn will advertise at the seed fair for another co-chair. It would be good to have another student or resident as Co-Chair.
Important Dates for 2014
Cool weather plant sale April 20
Warm weather plant sale May 18
Adjourned before 7:46 by Josh. Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Jenn, Josh, Kris, Evan, Mark, Diana, Andrew, Jan, Tianxing, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Will, Louisa, Adam and Melita.
Jenn welcomed everyone. Josh announced the arrival of Micah Joshua April 5, 2014.
Minutes
Motion by Josh and seconded by Louisa to approve the minutes of the March 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
At the Seed Fair 316 plots checked in, which is about 10-12 more than last year and is around 700 people. The workshop by Sandra was full. Will and Louisa sold 190 pieces of row cover. The $575 covers most of our costs, but the people at the workshop didn’t get any. The line was cleared by 9:30. We spread out the tables this year, which gave more room for choosing seed.
Ten orientation sessions were held. Two of the sessions had Mandarin translators. About 150 people attended.
All plots are full with the exception of two plots at Eagle Heights that need to be rehabilitated. The waiting list stands at 14. Gardeners must pay the fee to get on the waiting list. After June 1st the fee is half price. The fee is returned if the gardener does not get a plot.
Plant sales
April 20- cool weather plants with Ann, Melita and Jenn helping
May 18- warm weather plants with Mark and others helping
Will suggested a cash box for change might be a good contingency. It was agreed that it might be a good idea for the warm weather sale. Gretel said if we were to do compost or row cover sales we would need volunteers. Louisa volunteered for the cash box. Gretel will write a note next week about the plant sale. Jenn said she thought we needed to buy row cover. Gretel said we couldn’t get it in ten days. Discussion ensued. Storage is a problem with unsold row cover. We cannot store it in the shed because mice get into it. Josh said we provide a lot of services and it is just not going to work out this year to buy more row cover. There was general agreement with this and buying row cover will be discussed in the fall.
Gretel suggested selling compost at the first plant sale. Will thought the road will be too wet for delivery to the usual place. Compost can’t be delivered to the weed pile because we sell it at cost.
Gretel expressed concern that the manure that is delivered for free is only available to a few gardeners. Discussion ensued about metering the manure so all gardeners get it. Perhaps we should charge 50 cents a cartload. Josh said we should charge if we are paying a delivery fee. Will suggested we pick three delivery days so all gardeners get a chance.
Gretel reported the Olds Seed Company closed their Madison warehouse, but we got 4 boxes of seeds from them anyway. We have a lot of seeds and could give some away at the plant sale. She suggests giving away pumpkins, winter squash and lettuce at the cool weather plant sale. Adam pointed out that Gardens to Be will be selling lettuce and we shouldn’t give away lettuce. Discussion centered on the age of the seeds, especially lettuce and onions. Karen suggested keeping the 2013 lettuce and onions separated from the older seeds. Jenn and Karen volunteered to help reorganize the seeds. It was decided to give away beans, pumpkins and winter squash at the cool weather sale.
Garden Worker Report
Will said there have been workdays at Eagle Heights and University Houses. At Eagle Heights the raspberry patch has been cleared, fenced and seeded with red oats. In June they will plant sunflowers. At University Houses 2 plots have been fixed and leaves have been moved.
Trees have been pruned at Eagle Heights and need to be pruned at University Houses.
Will said that the wall building needs to be finished at Eagle Heights 1000 row. We need to finish the wall so we can move the cement out of the shed. Then we can receive and assemble the new carts. Adam said we have 2 work days every weekend thru May and will start having evening weekday workdays when it gets light enough.
Water is usually turned on around April 25th. The winter was really hard and Will is concerned about the state of the plumbing system. There was further discussion about the water.
Gretel said there are 22 people on the list for tilling. Will said to please tell them that they were on the list. Will and Adam will check the plots for tilling to make sure the plots are ready for tilling.
Karen asked about the 100 plumbing line. Will said they need to finish the wall building and the tilling. Josh asked if we could get a ditchwitch to dig the trench. Will said he will be having a conversation about it. Will said we have the new water risers for University Houses. Kris said water safety is a priority. Will said water doesn’t sit in those lines.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel report for Angus that we are on budget. We spent a little over $4000 on carts, will spend $1600 on tools and will spend $300 on fruit bushes. Gretel said that Jeff Housing asked if we wanted to do something for Environmental Day concerning recycling in the gardens. Will said he would talk to him.
Important Dates for 2014
Warm weather plant sale May 18
To Do List
Talk about plumbing projects
Talk about row cover sales in Fall
Adjourned before 8 by Josh. Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Jenn, John, Sandra, Malcom, Mike, Ulrike, Mark, Diana, Andrew, Angus, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Will, Louisa, Ada, Tianxing and Melita.
Jenn welcomed everyone. Josh is sorry he couldn’t attend tonight.
Minutes
Motion by Adam and seconded by Louisa to approve the minutes of the April 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported 4 years of trends at the gardens. One in three gardeners are new, more people are keeping small plots, and more people are graduating and remaining in the area and keeping their plots.
There are 23 on the waiting list. Most have requested Eagle Heights, some will take either garden and a few want University Houses. Ulrike asked about University Houses building renovation. Gretel said everyone will move out in July.
Gretel said we usually have the meetings outside in the summer, June and August at Eagle Heights and July at University Houses. In bad weather we meet at the Community Center.
Gretel said technical problems with the old Forum on the website have rendered it unusable. The forum is now closed and the software is too old. What are our options? She proposes using Jenn’s Blog and have a separate section for announcements and minutes. We will try to get the older minutes posted to the blog. Adam asked about our facebook page. Gretel said the person doing it moved away. Adam volunteered to take over the facebook page.
Plant sales
May 18, 11am- 1pm- warm weather plants with Mark and Melita are helping
Will ordered compost, which will be sold by the half cart load. Compost will be trucked to University Houses in cart beds loaded in a truck. Gretel and Jenn are going to check for plots that have not be started yet. This is not a jury. An email will be sent asking if the gardener still wants to garden.
Garden Worker Report
Jenn asked how the wall was coming. Adam said it was almost done. There have been 5 workdays with cement mixing and brick laying. It has been a lot of work. Will said the grass has started to grow and mowing will begin soon. Please ask everyone to remove all hoses, rocks and sticks out of the path. Adam said there are new raspberries next to the weedpile.
Jenn asked how we were with buying tools. Will said we have enough shovels, but we probably need hoes. The new carts are all built. Adam said there is a cart at University Houses with a bad wheel, which he will repair. Adam said new wheelbarrows need to be purchased and we need more hoses for University Houses.
Treasurer’s Report
Angus that we are on budget, but we have spent more on supplies this year. Garden worker hours are a little lower this year. The Housing financial statements have been correct, which is good.
Karen asked about the plumbing renovation of the 100’s line and the new risers for University Houses. Jenn said as we get closer to the wall being done, what is the time line for the work? Will said we could dig the line by hand or use a ditch witch, which could damage plots as the line was dug. Discussion ensued. There was a suggestion about asking gardeners not to plant perennials next to the path and this was added to to rule list to talk about in the fall.
New Co-chair
Jenn announced that Diana, who gardens at University Houses, will be our new co-chair as all other candidates have withdrawn. Ulrike expressed support for Diana and the committee welcomed her.
Milwaukee Public Television
The television station has asked to film a show, planting to harvest to home at the gardens. The would film twice, once early in the season and then at harvest in late summer. The are looking for willing volunteers to film in their gardens. Jenn asked for nominations and will pass the nominations to the TV station. Jenn and Adam will appear for the garden committee in August.
Items for the next Meeting
Adam asked to talk about the rototilling policy at the next meeting. He said that University Houses is all done and at Eagle Heights 14 of the 15 plots on the list have wiregrass.
Sandra said that the D and E row at University Houses have bindweed.
Important Dates for 2014
Warm weather plant sale May 18
To Do List
Talk about plumbing projects
Talk about row cover sales in Fall
Adjourned before 8 by Jenn. Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcom, Diana, Andrew, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Will, Louisa, Adam, Eleanor, Tingxian and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Ann and seconded by Malcom to approve the minutes of the April 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
The compost sale made $428 and covered our costs. This time there was no delivery charge. Gretel said it would be great to have compost in the Fall, but it is usually not available in the Fall.
The first jury has occurred and there were 13 weedy plot notices given out, which is more than usual. One plot was surrendered and another will probably be taken over. A second jury will be held this weekend at Eagle Heights.
There are 2 plots at University Houses, 6 at Eagle Heights and 1 plot that has been offered to a gardener. The waiting list is is about 15. Some people will not take the plot if it looks too bad.
The Garden Organizing Committee (GOC), the university committee that is in charge of the gardens, will tour University Houses Garden on Friday, June 20 at 8:30am.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel reported for Angus that we are on budget. We had $656 in compost income. We spent $346.50 on tool handles, $109 on cement and $300 on compost. The garden worker hours are good. The UW Housing staff has not updated our finances for 2 months as they are short staffed. Angus is trying to keep track of the budget and spending.
Garden Worker Report
Adam said that the first round of mowing has been completed at Eagle Heights. The Housing staff used to mow the perimeter at University Houses, but they have not done so this year. Adam tried to start the mower, but mice had taken up residence in the engine compartment. University Houses will have to be cut by hand.
Adam said the wall is done except for the chips. The wall is actually quite thick (24”) but the cap stone is just ten inches wide.
Will said he was concerned with tool breakage. Some of the new tool handles have broken after they were replaced. There have been several instances of the front wheels falling off wheel barrows. Adam said rakes and new shovels have been broken. The garden workers ask the committee to watch for broken tools and see how they are being broken.
Will said that tilling spreads wire grass and weeds. If we took tilling off the web and application, gardeners might not ask for it automatically. Rototilling is good for adding amendments and to improve the soil. Adam said rototilling can control weeds if it is done more than once and late in the season.
Adam reported that he rototilled four plots in University Houses after the plots were cleaned and amendments added. Adam said he still had one left to do. Will said there were 27 plots in Eagle Heights on the tilling list. Discussion ensued. Gretel said to Will that people were complaining about not having their plots tilled and that Will had not told her that 11 plots needed a refund because they were not tilled.
Will asked to not advertise this program, it should be a special event. Gretel asked about rototilling in the Fall. Adam said that rototilling in the Fall was a good idea. Gretel said if people didn’t get their plots tilled after they paid for it, they would probably feel let down. We agreed to remove the tilling information from the website and reconsider again in the fall when writing the new application. Ann said that sending the minutes out in an email to the committee early was a good idea.
Adam said he was concerned about people using private rototillers in the gardens and potential liability issues. Adam saw a gardener wearing sandals with an older rototiller using it in the gardens.. Is there a rule about private rototillers? Andrew said perhaps we should have a power tool policy for the garden. We agreed that the new application should include the fact that no power tools were allowed in the gardens unless operated by University staff. Will expressed concern that the gardeners on the rototilling list would not answer his emails.
There was a discussion about plot restoration. Gretel said we would not garden for people, but the gardens has an interest in keeping gardeners in the plots. If a plot gets too weedy, it is hard to give out. Ann said she did a plot restoration workday. Adam said there was a problem for June workdays that gardeners had just finished cleaning their own plots and they felt that the new gardener coming just a little late was getting special treatment. Plot restoration workdays are not popular in June with lots of grumbling and complaining.
Gretel said there is a second type of workday where we help people with a weedy plot notice. The gardener with the weedy plot notice must be at the workday. Adam said it helped when the weedy plot gardener was present. Sandra said it would be good if the new gardener was at the workday for their new plot. Will said a cooperation venture is better.
Melita said that some gardeners are more enthusiastic than others. What if you were put to the end of the waiting list if you didn’t take a particular plot?
Gretel said she could ask a new gardener if they are interested in a particular plot, which is messy. We could offer to help in a week. Some gardeners would just clean the plot. Adam said it was important to get rid of wire grass. We should offer to help if the new gardener is present in the garden to help along with the workday crew. Andrew said he thought the educational aspect of having the new gardener there was really important. Gretel agreed to inform new gardeners that they could get help on the next workday IF they were coming to work alongside the volunteers and encourage them to work on the plot themselves first.
Karen asked if there were plots that were particularly weedy and difficult. Adam said that the 1300’s had a lot of difficult plots. Karen suggested that we consider a fall cleanup of difficult plots. Ann said it would be a lot of work to contact the gardeners. If a plot was abandoned, it would be much easier. Will said tilling could be done in the fall.
Will had a concern that there could be a problem with house sparrows using birdhouses in the garden. House sparrows kill bluebirds and swallows. Bird houses need maintenance to keep the house sparrows out of the bluebird houses. Will asked if two people from our group could take the training from the Preserve and see if we have a problem with this. We discussed educating the gardeners and Gretel agreed to find some material to distribute and put on the website. Diana said we should get information so we could comply with the birdhouse policy of the Preserve.
Social Media Topic
Diana said Jenn was discussing how the different social media work for the gardens. We have a website, a blog and Facebook. Gretel said she did not use Facebook, along with many gardeners from other countries. She would like facebook to remain secondary to the sites that do not require a person to join the site. Adam said he saw Facebook as a repeat of the web and the blog. Adam asked if we could use an asian version of Facebook. The committee thought the language translating would be too difficult. Diana said we could encourage Facebook, but all information would remain on the web. Gretel mentioned that the button for Facebook on the web is not working properly. Adam said he was working to delete the old page and Gretel will ask David, the webmaster, to change the link to the new page.
Andrew said that leaf mulch is needed at University Houses. Adam and Will said they would try to get some delivered.
Adjourned before 8 by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcom, Diana, Andrew, Angus, Jenn, Ulrike, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Adam, Tianxing and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Gretel and seconded by Tianxing to approve the minutes of the June 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
There have been three juries at Eagle Heights and one at University Houses. There were quite a few that were not started gardening yet. One gardener asked for help and paid the fee. There will be a jury at each garden this weekend. After a weedy plot notice, a third of the gardeners reply to the email and clean the plot, a third clean and never reply, and a third never reply and do not clean the plot so the plot is reassigned.
There is a problem when plots are not gardened with flowers, herbs or vegetables. Two plots are not being fully gardened. One plot has only three squash plants and a plot has less than half the plot used and plastic has been put down where they haven’t been gardening. Both are large plots and could be divided to reassign the unused half to a gardener on the waiting list. Discussion ensued. Gretel thought one gardener might give up the unused portion. Karen suggested we recommend they grow a green manure crop. Adam said we had a lot of oats. Jenn was concerned that the language in the application wouldn’t cover this problem. It was agree we would talk about the application language in the fall. Gretel will talk to the gardeners and she if she can reach a resolution.
There are 5 on the waiting list, one with very specific requirements. Gretel said when the list is gone, she will send out an email saying that small plot gardeners can get another small plot. After September 1, plots are free but a workday is required.
Gretel will give away seeds of lettuce, radish, etc on the first Saturday in August.
Treasurer’s Report
Angus said that we are on budget. The garden worker hours are the same as last year at this time. We probably need to spend about $4 to $5,000 to end up in the same place as last year.
The UW Housing staff has not updated our finances for a while. Angus is trying to keep track of the budget and spending.
Share the Bounty
Diana reported for Alison, who couldn’t come to the meeting. There have been some difficulties with the bins being put out on the shelf and being picked up on time. A volunteer took the bins on Saturday when someone forgot. Gretel said she thinks we need more bins. Adam said we have more at University Houses. There has been concern that there hasn’t been much in the bins. It was agreed that we should get some smaller bins some the vegetables don’t get squashed. We are having some confusion between the Share Shelf and the Share the Bounty.
Discussion ensued. It was agreed that we probably need some volunteers to help Alison. Ulrike asked if there was a call list so if a volunteer could get help if they couldn’t pick up the bin.
Gretel said that three pickups count for a workday. Ulrike suggested that the volunteer needs to send an email after the pickup to get workday credit. The committee agreed that this is a good idea.
The Problem of Vegetables Rotting in the Plots
Ulrike asked if there was a way to deal with vegetables left in the plots to rot. Do we have a system? Andrew said this was a very difficult problem. Gretel said when a workday party cleans a plot, the vegetables are given away. Jenn suggested that we put on the website that you can’t waste vegetables. Ulrike said we could talk to Gretel and she could contact the owner. If the owner gave permission, then we could give the harvest to the pantry.
Gretel said she caught someone going through plots and taking the vegetables to the pantry. This is not allowed.
Garden Worker Report
Adam said there were two workdays last week and 20 so far this year. There will be one workday a week for a while. This will leave more time for tasks like mowing. We are on our third mowing cycle. We have not sprayed for Potato Beetles yet, because there have been so few. Toads were seen eating Potato Beetles!! The lawn mower kills toads. Scythe mowing is better for a large toad population.
The are some nice sunflowers at the Eagle Heights shed
Plot F8 at University Houses has been planted and mulched.
Fewer workdays will allow time for building the faucet and pipe for the 100’s plumbing project. Adam said they were hoping the line would be shut off only for one day. Gretel asked if workday labor would be needed for covering the line after the new pipe was laid? Adam said maybe.
Adam said they talked to Kris about help for the drywell for the University Houses sink. A drywell is a large hole filled with rocky debris that holds the water. A perforated pipe will be laid along the tree line to help water the trees. Two loads of leaves came to University Houses and then the machine got stuck at Eagle Heights and had to be pulled out. Adam said we don’t have control over when the leaves get delivered.
Gretel said they were working with housing about the leaf pile. The original plan had the leaf pile by the weeds. Sandra said that leaf mulch helps conserve water.
GOC
There will be a GOC meeting and tour on August 15th.
Gretel said that we probably caused some drainage problems in the 500’s row with with the wood chips in the Fruit Orchard.
The road also needs gravel. Adam said they would talk to CALS about the road, as they use it too.
There was some concern that the road to University houses could be closed when the contractor work on the back of the houses. Gretel said to contact her if the road is closed.
Adjourned 7:55by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Gretel said there is a problem with someone who plot wasn’t tilled last year, but they paid for it. We need a list of plots that didn’t get tilled last year. Adam said they (Will and Adam) will tell Gretel when a plot is not tilled. Will said they have tilling records back to 2009.
Co-Chair report
Jenn reported that we received about $1000 in donations to our UW Foundation account. She is planning to send thank you letters in April, as she did last year. Josh said that he thought this as very good considering that the only solicitation is one email a year.
Jenn suggested that the Garden Opening be pushed back a week to March 22. Discussion ensued. Josh asked if everyone was in agreement. The committee agreed to the change.
Opening day March 22, 2014
Orientations: The orientation sheet will include the new page of rules about theft.
March 22 Noon at Eagle Heights
Noon at University Houses
March 23 Noon at Eagle Heights
March 25 5:30 at Eagle Heights
March 26 5:30 at Eagle Heights
March 29 Noon at Eagle Heights
Noon at University Houses
Orientations with translators for Chinese will also be arranged by Gretel. It is important that we try to explain how the garden works and how to be a good garden neighbor to all gardeners.
Gretel said the seed sort will be a potluck. The seed sort volunteers do not receive workday credit. Some of the seeds are sorted from last year. Karen, Ann, Ulrike and Ben will help Gretel set up on Friday at 4pm.
Volunteers for the seed fair will receive four hour workday credit and will arrive at 8am Saturday, the 29th of March to set up. We have enough seeds to give out 15 packets per plot.
New Sign
Jenn reports that UW Housing is offering us a new sign that would be by the road. Gretel suggests that we move our old sign to the cart area. and take the new sign from Housing. The committee was in agreement.
Discussion ensued about a standard sign for University Houses, which hasn’t been offered yet. Adam suggested that it might be good to get one because University Houses gets forgotten about. It was decided that a good place for one would be where the dirt road hits the parking lot. The committee agreed that it would be good to ask for on that said University Houses Garden.
Co-Chair Graduating
Josh said he would be finishing in May. Discussion ensued about his replacement. Jenn will be staying, which will provide some continuity. It would be good to have another student or resident as Co-Chair. Karen thanked Josh for his good job as Co-Chair and the committee agreed.
Important Dates for 2014
Application for 2014 DUE February 15, 2014
Opening day March 22, 2014
Seed Fair March 29, 2014
Cool weather plant sale April 20
Warm weather plant sale May 18
Adjourned before 7:42 by Josh.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
March 12, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Community Center
Jenn welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Josh and seconded by Louisa to approve the minutes of the February 2014 meeting with the correction pointed out by Gretel that she does not have Korean translators for orientation. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported that she recently sent the first gardener emails and many bounced, which she must fix. There are 900 names on the list! There are 463 plots at Eagle Heights and 101 at University Houses. There are two plots at each garden set aside for fixing problems. One application was postmarked correctly, but came in late and another few have problems with the fee getting applied to the UW Housing rent incorrectly. We have 6 on the waiting list and 3 new applications today.
Gretel reported that the trends this year include more returning gardeners in University Houses small plots. We have more alumni and community members, more small plots gardeners staying with the small plot and fewer tilling applications.
Gretel proposes that F8 at University Houses be returned to community space. F8 has a big tree stump and a nearby black walnut, making it a difficult plot. Will suggests that it would be good for currants. The committee agrees to return F8 to community space.
Gretel said we also need to walk around the plots and check the numbers. Adam, Sandra and Malcom will check the numbers at University Houses and Gretel, Melita, Will, Adam and Jenn will check Eagle Heights’ numbers at noon on Sunday.
Orientations
Gretel said the notes for the orientation include the new section on rules. Will and Adam will demonstrate the use of the new broadfork toll during their orientations. Will said we need to stress no weeds in the dumpster! Gretel said we need a sign “No weeds in the dumpster”.
March 22 Noon at Eagle Heights, Noon at University Houses; March 23 Noon at Eagle Heights; March 25 5:30 at Eagle Heights; March 26 5:30 at Eagle Heights; March 29 Noon at Eagle Heights, Noon at University Houses
Seed Fair
The seed sort will be on Friday, March 28th. The seeds will be removed from the attic at 1pm and the seed sort will start at 6:30 with a potluck. No workday credit is given for the seed sort.
Seed Fair volunteers will arrive at 8am Saturday, March 29th. There will be tables for the Friends of the Preserve, St. Vincent de Paul food donation program, the UW horticulture department and row cover sales, along with the usual seed give away. Adam said we have the list of varieties for the plant sale. Gretel will make a plant sale poster for the fair.
Gretel said that at a meeting of the Madison Community Gardens their plot fees are graduated and depend on the income of the gardener. Their plots come with just the water and the plot. Our fee seems reasonable considering that we also have tools, leaves and other things available.
Garden Worker Report
Will said we have a pallet of 12 carts waiting to be assembled along with a number of maintenance free wheels.We will have a much better cart fleet. The wheel without the tube cannot get flat but it can still bend! We can’t get delivery yet because UW Physical Plant still has the salters on the trucks.
Will said he wrote a grant to a tool company and is receiving a free broadfork ($185) with a lifetime guarantee. There are videos of people using it and he thinks it would work well on wire grass. Gretel said it should be checked out and returned to the shed.
Will said he went to the Lakeshore Nature group meeting that occurs once a month. The Biocore Prairie, which is north and east of the garden is having trouble getting prairie established. The weeds are growing too fast and they think the soil is too fertile. One of the proposals for the Biocore prairie was to remove 12 inches of topsoil off the top of the field. They decided not to do this as they don’t have money or budget for it. Will said another idea they had was to push the western half to the eastern half with a bulldozer.
Will suggested to them that they continue to plant oats. Adam said that last year they thought they would grow GMO corn and spray, but they changed their minds. Gretel reported that some years back they planted GMO soybeans and sprayed, but it didn’t work to control the weeds. Will asked Josh if they would have to plow if they use a seed drill. Josh said there are no till seed drills. Will said they plowed the area for 4 years. Josh said that the plowing would denutrify the soil. Gretel said that the prairie that the Biocore wants to establish at the top of the hill is a wet mesic prairie. Gretel reports that some of the gardeners in the 1300’s have trouble with weeds.
Ann asked how this committee, the Lakeshore Nature group is formed. Will said it is an appointed committee.
Ann suggested that we need to talk about plumbing projects next meeting.
Co-Chair report
Jenn will advertise at the seed fair for another co-chair. It would be good to have another student or resident as Co-Chair.
Important Dates for 2014
Cool weather plant sale April 20
Warm weather plant sale May 18
Adjourned before 7:46 by Josh. Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
April 9, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Community Center
Jenn welcomed everyone. Josh announced the arrival of Micah Joshua April 5, 2014.
Minutes
Motion by Josh and seconded by Louisa to approve the minutes of the March 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
At the Seed Fair 316 plots checked in, which is about 10-12 more than last year and is around 700 people. The workshop by Sandra was full. Will and Louisa sold 190 pieces of row cover. The $575 covers most of our costs, but the people at the workshop didn’t get any. The line was cleared by 9:30. We spread out the tables this year, which gave more room for choosing seed.
Ten orientation sessions were held. Two of the sessions had Mandarin translators. About 150 people attended.
All plots are full with the exception of two plots at Eagle Heights that need to be rehabilitated. The waiting list stands at 14. Gardeners must pay the fee to get on the waiting list. After June 1st the fee is half price. The fee is returned if the gardener does not get a plot.
Plant sales
April 20- cool weather plants with Ann, Melita and Jenn helping
May 18- warm weather plants with Mark and others helping
Will suggested a cash box for change might be a good contingency. It was agreed that it might be a good idea for the warm weather sale. Gretel said if we were to do compost or row cover sales we would need volunteers. Louisa volunteered for the cash box. Gretel will write a note next week about the plant sale. Jenn said she thought we needed to buy row cover. Gretel said we couldn’t get it in ten days. Discussion ensued. Storage is a problem with unsold row cover. We cannot store it in the shed because mice get into it. Josh said we provide a lot of services and it is just not going to work out this year to buy more row cover. There was general agreement with this and buying row cover will be discussed in the fall.
Gretel suggested selling compost at the first plant sale. Will thought the road will be too wet for delivery to the usual place. Compost can’t be delivered to the weed pile because we sell it at cost.
Gretel expressed concern that the manure that is delivered for free is only available to a few gardeners. Discussion ensued about metering the manure so all gardeners get it. Perhaps we should charge 50 cents a cartload. Josh said we should charge if we are paying a delivery fee. Will suggested we pick three delivery days so all gardeners get a chance.
Gretel reported the Olds Seed Company closed their Madison warehouse, but we got 4 boxes of seeds from them anyway. We have a lot of seeds and could give some away at the plant sale. She suggests giving away pumpkins, winter squash and lettuce at the cool weather plant sale. Adam pointed out that Gardens to Be will be selling lettuce and we shouldn’t give away lettuce. Discussion centered on the age of the seeds, especially lettuce and onions. Karen suggested keeping the 2013 lettuce and onions separated from the older seeds. Jenn and Karen volunteered to help reorganize the seeds. It was decided to give away beans, pumpkins and winter squash at the cool weather sale.
Garden Worker Report
Will said there have been workdays at Eagle Heights and University Houses. At Eagle Heights the raspberry patch has been cleared, fenced and seeded with red oats. In June they will plant sunflowers. At University Houses 2 plots have been fixed and leaves have been moved.
Trees have been pruned at Eagle Heights and need to be pruned at University Houses.
Will said that the wall building needs to be finished at Eagle Heights 1000 row. We need to finish the wall so we can move the cement out of the shed. Then we can receive and assemble the new carts. Adam said we have 2 work days every weekend thru May and will start having evening weekday workdays when it gets light enough.
Water is usually turned on around April 25th. The winter was really hard and Will is concerned about the state of the plumbing system. There was further discussion about the water.
Gretel said there are 22 people on the list for tilling. Will said to please tell them that they were on the list. Will and Adam will check the plots for tilling to make sure the plots are ready for tilling.
Karen asked about the 100 plumbing line. Will said they need to finish the wall building and the tilling. Josh asked if we could get a ditchwitch to dig the trench. Will said he will be having a conversation about it. Will said we have the new water risers for University Houses. Kris said water safety is a priority. Will said water doesn’t sit in those lines.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel report for Angus that we are on budget. We spent a little over $4000 on carts, will spend $1600 on tools and will spend $300 on fruit bushes. Gretel said that Jeff Housing asked if we wanted to do something for Environmental Day concerning recycling in the gardens. Will said he would talk to him.
Important Dates for 2014
Warm weather plant sale May 18
To Do List
Talk about plumbing projects
Talk about row cover sales in Fall
Adjourned before 8 by Josh. Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
May 14, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Community Center
Jenn welcomed everyone. Josh is sorry he couldn’t attend tonight.
Minutes
Motion by Adam and seconded by Louisa to approve the minutes of the April 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported 4 years of trends at the gardens. One in three gardeners are new, more people are keeping small plots, and more people are graduating and remaining in the area and keeping their plots.
There are 23 on the waiting list. Most have requested Eagle Heights, some will take either garden and a few want University Houses. Ulrike asked about University Houses building renovation. Gretel said everyone will move out in July.
Gretel said we usually have the meetings outside in the summer, June and August at Eagle Heights and July at University Houses. In bad weather we meet at the Community Center.
Gretel said technical problems with the old Forum on the website have rendered it unusable. The forum is now closed and the software is too old. What are our options? She proposes using Jenn’s Blog and have a separate section for announcements and minutes. We will try to get the older minutes posted to the blog. Adam asked about our facebook page. Gretel said the person doing it moved away. Adam volunteered to take over the facebook page.
Plant sales
May 18, 11am- 1pm- warm weather plants with Mark and Melita are helping
Will ordered compost, which will be sold by the half cart load. Compost will be trucked to University Houses in cart beds loaded in a truck. Gretel and Jenn are going to check for plots that have not be started yet. This is not a jury. An email will be sent asking if the gardener still wants to garden.
Garden Worker Report
Jenn asked how the wall was coming. Adam said it was almost done. There have been 5 workdays with cement mixing and brick laying. It has been a lot of work. Will said the grass has started to grow and mowing will begin soon. Please ask everyone to remove all hoses, rocks and sticks out of the path. Adam said there are new raspberries next to the weedpile.
Jenn asked how we were with buying tools. Will said we have enough shovels, but we probably need hoes. The new carts are all built. Adam said there is a cart at University Houses with a bad wheel, which he will repair. Adam said new wheelbarrows need to be purchased and we need more hoses for University Houses.
Treasurer’s Report
Angus that we are on budget, but we have spent more on supplies this year. Garden worker hours are a little lower this year. The Housing financial statements have been correct, which is good.
Karen asked about the plumbing renovation of the 100’s line and the new risers for University Houses. Jenn said as we get closer to the wall being done, what is the time line for the work? Will said we could dig the line by hand or use a ditch witch, which could damage plots as the line was dug. Discussion ensued. There was a suggestion about asking gardeners not to plant perennials next to the path and this was added to to rule list to talk about in the fall.
New Co-chair
Jenn announced that Diana, who gardens at University Houses, will be our new co-chair as all other candidates have withdrawn. Ulrike expressed support for Diana and the committee welcomed her.
Milwaukee Public Television
The television station has asked to film a show, planting to harvest to home at the gardens. The would film twice, once early in the season and then at harvest in late summer. The are looking for willing volunteers to film in their gardens. Jenn asked for nominations and will pass the nominations to the TV station. Jenn and Adam will appear for the garden committee in August.
Items for the next Meeting
Adam asked to talk about the rototilling policy at the next meeting. He said that University Houses is all done and at Eagle Heights 14 of the 15 plots on the list have wiregrass.
Sandra said that the D and E row at University Houses have bindweed.
Important Dates for 2014
Warm weather plant sale May 18
To Do List
Talk about plumbing projects
Talk about row cover sales in Fall
Adjourned before 8 by Jenn. Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
June 11, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Garden
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcom, Diana, Andrew, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Will, Louisa, Adam, Eleanor, Tingxian and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Ann and seconded by Malcom to approve the minutes of the April 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously
Registrar’s report
The compost sale made $428 and covered our costs. This time there was no delivery charge. Gretel said it would be great to have compost in the Fall, but it is usually not available in the Fall.
The first jury has occurred and there were 13 weedy plot notices given out, which is more than usual. One plot was surrendered and another will probably be taken over. A second jury will be held this weekend at Eagle Heights.
There are 2 plots at University Houses, 6 at Eagle Heights and 1 plot that has been offered to a gardener. The waiting list is is about 15. Some people will not take the plot if it looks too bad.
The Garden Organizing Committee (GOC), the university committee that is in charge of the gardens, will tour University Houses Garden on Friday, June 20 at 8:30am.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel reported for Angus that we are on budget. We had $656 in compost income. We spent $346.50 on tool handles, $109 on cement and $300 on compost. The garden worker hours are good. The UW Housing staff has not updated our finances for 2 months as they are short staffed. Angus is trying to keep track of the budget and spending.
Garden Worker Report
Adam said that the first round of mowing has been completed at Eagle Heights. The Housing staff used to mow the perimeter at University Houses, but they have not done so this year. Adam tried to start the mower, but mice had taken up residence in the engine compartment. University Houses will have to be cut by hand.
Adam said the wall is done except for the chips. The wall is actually quite thick (24”) but the cap stone is just ten inches wide.
Will said he was concerned with tool breakage. Some of the new tool handles have broken after they were replaced. There have been several instances of the front wheels falling off wheel barrows. Adam said rakes and new shovels have been broken. The garden workers ask the committee to watch for broken tools and see how they are being broken.
Will said that tilling spreads wire grass and weeds. If we took tilling off the web and application, gardeners might not ask for it automatically. Rototilling is good for adding amendments and to improve the soil. Adam said rototilling can control weeds if it is done more than once and late in the season.
Adam reported that he rototilled four plots in University Houses after the plots were cleaned and amendments added. Adam said he still had one left to do. Will said there were 27 plots in Eagle Heights on the tilling list. Discussion ensued. Gretel said to Will that people were complaining about not having their plots tilled and that Will had not told her that 11 plots needed a refund because they were not tilled.
Will asked to not advertise this program, it should be a special event. Gretel asked about rototilling in the Fall. Adam said that rototilling in the Fall was a good idea. Gretel said if people didn’t get their plots tilled after they paid for it, they would probably feel let down. We agreed to remove the tilling information from the website and reconsider again in the fall when writing the new application. Ann said that sending the minutes out in an email to the committee early was a good idea.
Adam said he was concerned about people using private rototillers in the gardens and potential liability issues. Adam saw a gardener wearing sandals with an older rototiller using it in the gardens.. Is there a rule about private rototillers? Andrew said perhaps we should have a power tool policy for the garden. We agreed that the new application should include the fact that no power tools were allowed in the gardens unless operated by University staff. Will expressed concern that the gardeners on the rototilling list would not answer his emails.
There was a discussion about plot restoration. Gretel said we would not garden for people, but the gardens has an interest in keeping gardeners in the plots. If a plot gets too weedy, it is hard to give out. Ann said she did a plot restoration workday. Adam said there was a problem for June workdays that gardeners had just finished cleaning their own plots and they felt that the new gardener coming just a little late was getting special treatment. Plot restoration workdays are not popular in June with lots of grumbling and complaining.
Gretel said there is a second type of workday where we help people with a weedy plot notice. The gardener with the weedy plot notice must be at the workday. Adam said it helped when the weedy plot gardener was present. Sandra said it would be good if the new gardener was at the workday for their new plot. Will said a cooperation venture is better.
Melita said that some gardeners are more enthusiastic than others. What if you were put to the end of the waiting list if you didn’t take a particular plot?
Gretel said she could ask a new gardener if they are interested in a particular plot, which is messy. We could offer to help in a week. Some gardeners would just clean the plot. Adam said it was important to get rid of wire grass. We should offer to help if the new gardener is present in the garden to help along with the workday crew. Andrew said he thought the educational aspect of having the new gardener there was really important. Gretel agreed to inform new gardeners that they could get help on the next workday IF they were coming to work alongside the volunteers and encourage them to work on the plot themselves first.
Karen asked if there were plots that were particularly weedy and difficult. Adam said that the 1300’s had a lot of difficult plots. Karen suggested that we consider a fall cleanup of difficult plots. Ann said it would be a lot of work to contact the gardeners. If a plot was abandoned, it would be much easier. Will said tilling could be done in the fall.
Will had a concern that there could be a problem with house sparrows using birdhouses in the garden. House sparrows kill bluebirds and swallows. Bird houses need maintenance to keep the house sparrows out of the bluebird houses. Will asked if two people from our group could take the training from the Preserve and see if we have a problem with this. We discussed educating the gardeners and Gretel agreed to find some material to distribute and put on the website. Diana said we should get information so we could comply with the birdhouse policy of the Preserve.
Social Media Topic
Diana said Jenn was discussing how the different social media work for the gardens. We have a website, a blog and Facebook. Gretel said she did not use Facebook, along with many gardeners from other countries. She would like facebook to remain secondary to the sites that do not require a person to join the site. Adam said he saw Facebook as a repeat of the web and the blog. Adam asked if we could use an asian version of Facebook. The committee thought the language translating would be too difficult. Diana said we could encourage Facebook, but all information would remain on the web. Gretel mentioned that the button for Facebook on the web is not working properly. Adam said he was working to delete the old page and Gretel will ask David, the webmaster, to change the link to the new page.
Andrew said that leaf mulch is needed at University Houses. Adam and Will said they would try to get some delivered.
Adjourned before 8 by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
July 9, 2014, 6:30 PM
University Houses Garden
Diana welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Gretel and seconded by Tianxing to approve the minutes of the June 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
There have been three juries at Eagle Heights and one at University Houses. There were quite a few that were not started gardening yet. One gardener asked for help and paid the fee. There will be a jury at each garden this weekend. After a weedy plot notice, a third of the gardeners reply to the email and clean the plot, a third clean and never reply, and a third never reply and do not clean the plot so the plot is reassigned.
There is a problem when plots are not gardened with flowers, herbs or vegetables. Two plots are not being fully gardened. One plot has only three squash plants and a plot has less than half the plot used and plastic has been put down where they haven’t been gardening. Both are large plots and could be divided to reassign the unused half to a gardener on the waiting list. Discussion ensued. Gretel thought one gardener might give up the unused portion. Karen suggested we recommend they grow a green manure crop. Adam said we had a lot of oats. Jenn was concerned that the language in the application wouldn’t cover this problem. It was agree we would talk about the application language in the fall. Gretel will talk to the gardeners and she if she can reach a resolution.
There are 5 on the waiting list, one with very specific requirements. Gretel said when the list is gone, she will send out an email saying that small plot gardeners can get another small plot. After September 1, plots are free but a workday is required.
Gretel will give away seeds of lettuce, radish, etc on the first Saturday in August.
Treasurer’s Report
Angus said that we are on budget. The garden worker hours are the same as last year at this time. We probably need to spend about $4 to $5,000 to end up in the same place as last year.
The UW Housing staff has not updated our finances for a while. Angus is trying to keep track of the budget and spending.
Share the Bounty
Diana reported for Alison, who couldn’t come to the meeting. There have been some difficulties with the bins being put out on the shelf and being picked up on time. A volunteer took the bins on Saturday when someone forgot. Gretel said she thinks we need more bins. Adam said we have more at University Houses. There has been concern that there hasn’t been much in the bins. It was agreed that we should get some smaller bins some the vegetables don’t get squashed. We are having some confusion between the Share Shelf and the Share the Bounty.
Discussion ensued. It was agreed that we probably need some volunteers to help Alison. Ulrike asked if there was a call list so if a volunteer could get help if they couldn’t pick up the bin.
Gretel said that three pickups count for a workday. Ulrike suggested that the volunteer needs to send an email after the pickup to get workday credit. The committee agreed that this is a good idea.
The Problem of Vegetables Rotting in the Plots
Ulrike asked if there was a way to deal with vegetables left in the plots to rot. Do we have a system? Andrew said this was a very difficult problem. Gretel said when a workday party cleans a plot, the vegetables are given away. Jenn suggested that we put on the website that you can’t waste vegetables. Ulrike said we could talk to Gretel and she could contact the owner. If the owner gave permission, then we could give the harvest to the pantry.
Gretel said she caught someone going through plots and taking the vegetables to the pantry. This is not allowed.
Garden Worker Report
Adam said there were two workdays last week and 20 so far this year. There will be one workday a week for a while. This will leave more time for tasks like mowing. We are on our third mowing cycle. We have not sprayed for Potato Beetles yet, because there have been so few. Toads were seen eating Potato Beetles!! The lawn mower kills toads. Scythe mowing is better for a large toad population.
The are some nice sunflowers at the Eagle Heights shed
Plot F8 at University Houses has been planted and mulched.
Fewer workdays will allow time for building the faucet and pipe for the 100’s plumbing project. Adam said they were hoping the line would be shut off only for one day. Gretel asked if workday labor would be needed for covering the line after the new pipe was laid? Adam said maybe.
Adam said they talked to Kris about help for the drywell for the University Houses sink. A drywell is a large hole filled with rocky debris that holds the water. A perforated pipe will be laid along the tree line to help water the trees. Two loads of leaves came to University Houses and then the machine got stuck at Eagle Heights and had to be pulled out. Adam said we don’t have control over when the leaves get delivered.
Gretel said they were working with housing about the leaf pile. The original plan had the leaf pile by the weeds. Sandra said that leaf mulch helps conserve water.
GOC
There will be a GOC meeting and tour on August 15th.
Gretel said that we probably caused some drainage problems in the 500’s row with with the wood chips in the Fruit Orchard.
The road also needs gravel. Adam said they would talk to CALS about the road, as they use it too.
There was some concern that the road to University houses could be closed when the contractor work on the back of the houses. Gretel said to contact her if the road is closed.
Adjourned 7:55by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcom, Diana, Andrew, Jenn, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Adam and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Ann and seconded by Andrew to approve the minutes of the July 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
There is no waiting list right now. There are three small plots at Eagle Heights and two large plots at University Houses open.
The Garden Oversight Committee (GOC) will meet at 8:30 am Friday, August 15 at Eagle Heights Garden for a tour. All are welcome to attend. The GOC is the UW committee in charge of the gardens.
Next month we will discuss the first draft of the 2015 budget. Our budget needs to be reviewed by the GOC in October. Other discussions next month include water issues, the need for a reserve and any changes that need to be made to the 2015 application. Some of the issues for the application include produce left in the field and the need to use your plot to grow something.
Gary, a master gardener in the 500’s will give a workshop on growing garlic in the fall.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel reported for Angus said that we are on budget. He received the preliminary numbers thru June from Housing. There is a problem with missing refunds and a few adjustments need to be made. We will end the year on budget.
The UW Housing staff will be getting a new person in the Community Center next week to work on finances.
Garden Worker Report
Adam said they received some new angle iron that is front of the Eagle Heights sink. Gretel said that the iron was interfering with the handicapped parking spot. Kris and Will were attacked by hornets as they were unloading it, which is why it wasn’t pushed further back. They will take care of it.
Adam said that Kris made some new fine soil screens from iron. Andrew asked if one could go to University Houses and Adam said yes.
Adam said backflow valves have been replaced. The 100’s plumbing line has been replaced and the bare dirt has been planted in clover. The committee was very pleased. The extra work crew did great work. There has been only one complaint. There are two additional faucets. Adam noted that there has been considerable plot creep in the 100’s, which made the plumbing work more difficult. Gretel said we need to check in boundaries every year. Adam suggested we more the 100 plots to the south because the path is very narrow. Gretel said that would be difficult because of all the perennials. Gretel said that we need boundary stakes. Adam said he would make a note of it.
Adam said they were on the fourth round of mowing, which means they have had a few more garden hours. Also they received a dumpster full of plank wood, some of which they plan to use to fix the path in the 100’s. Gretel said the planks will probably help define the edges of the plots.
Adam said that there is a problem with people digging for worms in the gardens and leaving holes. He said it would be difficult to stop them, because they get up really early. He has been sending people to dig for worms in the wood chip pile. Adam suggested we start a vermiculture bin and maybe that would help. We could use some of the plank for an in ground bed. Andrew asked if the worms would be depleted? Adam thought the worms would not be depleted as we have a food and vegetable source near the sink. Sandra asked what type of worms the fisherpeople want? Gretel and Karen said they would try to find out.
Adam suggested we make a cloning box. A gardener in the 800 has many cuttings, which he is setting out in fruit in another place. Gretel said we don’t have that much space for many more plants. Adam said that they just wanted to start talking about it.
Gretel suggested that the planks would be good to stabilize the bottom of the 700’s and FH King.
Adam said the University Houses sink could be sanded and painted. Gretel had concerns because the sink had been used for pesticides.
Adam said they have the material for the waterline at University Houses, but the hose problem needs to be solved first. The way we are doing it now just ruins the hoses. Adam suggested a hose reel at the 12 stations. Gretel said we had talked of feeder lines off the main line. Adam said that UW Plumbing would have to do that work. Sandra thought that cranking a hose reel would be more difficult than winding a hose. Andrew asked if we have everything for the plumbing work. Adam said we just needed to buy risers, which are only about $5-10 apiece. Sandra said the water pressure is not good at University Houses. Discussion ensued.
Diana said they need more carts at University Houses. Andrew asked if there were any pitchforks. Adam said they had all been broken. Adam said he would swap a cart for a wheelbarrow at University Houses. Gretel said people use the carts to harvest and take them home and don’t return them. Jenn asked if we could discuss free seeds. Gretel said she had already given away lettuce radishes and beets on Saturday.
Share the Bounty
Jenn said the deliveries have been happening. Sometimes the bins disappear and then things go to waste, which is difficult.
To Do List
Ann asked if it would be good to have a to do list. It was agreed that this was a good idea. Discussion ensued. The priorities would sometimes have to shift. Jenn suggested having time frames.
Adam said the things we have been talking about so far are not very expensive. We want the sink at University Houses to go in this year. Gretel said we have a welder who has volunteered. The discussion returned to the hose problem at University Houses. Diana and Adam agreed to look at the problem and get back to the committee. Planks at University Houses could help stabilize the paths. Sandra said the path C4-C5 had not been chipped for 2 years.
Adjourned 8:08 by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcom, Mike, Ulrike, Alice, Diana, Andrew, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Adam and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone.
Garden Worker Report
Adam reported that the workdays were going well. As an experiment, the path along the 1300’s at Eagle Heights is being chipped to see if it helps avoid extra mowing. Irrigation drips are being used on perennial plantings at University Houses and Eagle Heights.
Adam passed out a schematic and explanation of permaculture guild to be used in the CALS buffer areas around the fruit trees. Maybe more Wisconsin natives could be used around the trees along with some tree other friendly plants. The trial would first be tried in the CALS buffer area but might be extended to other tree plantings. Gretel said that maintenance could be a problem. Varieties should be selected that require little maintenance. Adam said that comfrey would not be a good idea, but black eyed susans could be good.
Registrar’s report
There is no waiting list right now. Five or 6 new gardeners got plots in the last week. There are three large and one small plot at Eagle Heights and three large and two small plots at University Houses open.
So far 250 plots at Eagle Heights have completed a workday, which is 44% and the same as last year. At University Houses 50 plots out of 105 have completed a workday, which is 48%.
There have been 7 juries at Eagle Heights and 3 at University Houses. There are still many more weedy plots. Gretel asked if we should have another jury. Discussion ensued. Ulrike suggested that we have a jury at both gardens. It was agreed that another jury is necessary.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel reported for Angus said that we are on budget. In August we paid for the ditch digger for the 100’s waterline.
2015 Application Draft
Gretel presented the draft of the 2015 application. She suggested that we change the due date to February 16th because the 15th is a Sunday. Ulrike thought we should keep the deadline the 15th to avoid confusion. The committee agreed.
Other changes included not offering spring tilling for a fee. Ulrike asked about the pros and cons of tilling. Adam said the cons were tilling can cause more problems with weeds, especially wiregrass. Adam said fall tilling can be useful. Andrew asked if we could have tilling on a case by case basis? Adam said he suggested it. Gretel said we needed to keep an even playing field. Gretel brought up the issue of power tools in the garden, suggesting that the rule be that power tools be used by staff only. Discussion ensued. It was decided that all gardeners could use small, hand held battery operated tools in the gardens. Karen suggested that we offer fall tilling when gardeners could add amendments to the soil. Payment could be by check at time of service.
Gretel said that the changes so far to a application were 1. Tilling out for spring, 2. No power tools except for small hand held tools, and 3. Tilling will be offered in the fall by announcement in August. The committee voted on these changes and all agreed.
Another issue is gardeners only planting a small portion of their plots. Gretel offered the following rule change. Unplanted plots or plots using less than 50% of the plot may be divided. Ulrike asked if ground cover would be okay? Gretel said yes. Melita asked about if there was a time of crisis, if the gardener could get help. Gretel said gardeners can ask for help and pay for an extra workday.
Trenching along the paths is also an issue. Gretel asked for the language to remain the same and be more vigilant about enforcement. The committee agreed.
The late fee for no workday is very low at $10 for a large plot and $5 for a small plot. Gretel asked if we should raise this penalty? Mike said he did not think raising it would work. Gretel said she would like to see a late fee. Mike said he would like to see the committee follow the rules. Karen said that the committee consisted of all gardeners and was open membership. Gretel said that 8% of gardeners paid the late fee. Andrew asked if we could not accept their application if they had not paid. Gretel said we already do that. It was suggested that along with a late fee and a deadline of December 1, the priority of the gardener was changed to a new nonresident. Some people seem to be willing to pay a large fee, but a big drop in their placement on the priority list might change their behavior. The late fees were also changed to $10 and $20. The committee agreed to the change in priority and the raising of the late fee. All other fees will stay the same.
2015 Budget Draft
Gretel presented the 2015 budget draft, which is very similar to this year. In October the GOC will review our budget and send it back to us to finalize in November. Tilling has been removed for 2015 and the number of garden worker hours has been increased for May, June and July. Plumbing costs are up for the last quarter and the portapotty costs are up also. All garden staff received a 1% raise. Thw $14 per hour covers all costs including workman’s compensation. There is also a potential $10,000 plumbing investment. Gretel said the is a $5000 line for new tools. Compost and row cover are budget neutral. The committee agreed to the budget.
Discussion
Adam said he would like us to think of ways to encourage better attendance at the garden committee meetings. Gretel said she sent out an email and got one response. The committee agreed this is an important issue.
To Do List
Adjourned by 8:00 by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcolm, Angus, Mark, Diana, Andrew, Ann, Gretel, Karen and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone. Minutes
Motion by Ann and seconded by Mark to approve the minutes of the September 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
Gretel reports that the gardens have had more turnover this year than in previous years with 60-70 new gardeners during the season. Presently there are 4 large and 2 small plots open at Eagle Heights. At University Houses there are 5 large and 2 small plots open. Some gardeners are moving from small to large plots. There are many gardeners who have not completed their workday requirements. Gretel will put out a note about workdays.
It is not possible to have workdays in the evenings now because it gets dark too early. One daytime task is remarking of plots. Gretel reported that there are no more plot marking posts. There will be two workdays on the weekend.
Treasurer’s Report
Angus reported that we are on budget. The garden worker hours are consistent with last year. We need to make our budgeted expenditures by December. Angus reported that his accounting of our finances is fairly good. Housing is behind in their accounting. The gardens uses a housing account number. It would be easier to keep track of if we had our own account. The porta potty company forget to send a bil since June, so we will be paying a large bill when it comes.
2015 Application Draft
Gretel presented the final draft of the 2015 application. As we discussed, she changed the dates to 2015, dropped the tilling, added a section on no power tools, changed the late fee, added a section that the gardener must use the plot and change the priority of a gardener if they did not meet their workday obligation.
Moved by Karen and seconded by Angus to approve the 2015 application. Passed unanimously.l
2015 Budget Draft
Gretel presented the 2015 budget final draft, which is very similar to this year. In October the GOC will review our budget and send it back to us to finalize in November. Tilling has been removed for 2015 and the number of garden worker hours has been increased for May, June and July. Plumbing costs are up for the last quarter and the porta potty costs are up also. All garden staff received a 1% raise. Thw $14 per hour covers all costs including workman’s compensation. There is also a potential $10,000 plumbing investment. Gretel said there is a $5000 line for new tools. Compost and row cover are budget neutral. Discussion ensued over the problem of finding mouse free storage for the row cover that we would like to purchase in December. Ann asked if it would fit thru a small house door, as she has a dry basement. Andrew said we need to decide about the hose hangers for University Houses. Gretel said the other things on the list included the University Houses sink, replacing more of the plumbing lines at Eagle Heights, the road at Eagle Heights, compost area problems and the roof on the shed a University houses has a large hole (not on our side).
Motion by Angus and seconded by Ann to approve the budget. Passed unanimously.Garden Worker Report
Diana announced that there would be no garden worker report because neither Will or Adam was in attendance.
Discussion
Diana suggested we wait until next meeting to discuss garden committee attendance because Adam was unable to be here tonight.
Diana said she thought the Garden Demographic survey was good to have online and on paper. She suggested we try to get more responses by having people fill out the survey while they were waiting in line at the seed fair. Gretel said when it was last included in the 2012 application we received 200-250 responses. The 2012 survey asked the number of gardeners per plot, the principal language spoken, age, origin and the number of people being fed from the plot. Gretel asked if we should change anything we asked. Jenn has a draft of a survey ready for online use. Gretel said we still collect age range, new gardener, student and returning gardener information with the application. Angus said we could probably do a survey with survey monkey. Andrew said a paper copy would be good while waiting in line at the seed fair. Gretel asked what we wanted on the survey. Andrew asked if the survey was required by the GOC. Gretel said it wasn’t required, but they were interested. Gretel said we were not getting a very good response rate.
2015 Calendar
Applications available for 2015 - December 15, 2014
Applications DUE- February 15, 2015
Opening day- March 28
Seed Fair- April 11
Ann suggested that we give away cool weather crop seeds at the orientations on opening day. The committee agreed that this was a good idea.
Gretel said since the seeds are now stored in the closet, we can easily sort and repackage earlier.
Garden Tasks
The shed cleaning and tool inventory will be November 30. We need 7 to 8 people and we can do both sheds. The porta potty will be removed and the water turned off around October 20th. Workday credit is not given for shed cleaning
Ann suggested that we start a list of routine maintenance jobs. Ann said we need more juries. Gretel said we had more weedy plots than previous years. Karen said maybe there were more weedy plots because we had more rain. Gretel said we did not get feedback about the garlic workshop yet.
To Do List
Adjourned by 7:42 by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcolm, Angus, Ulrike, Jenn, Adam, Tianxing, Mark, Ann, Gretel, Karen and Melita.
Jenn welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Gretel and seconded by Ann to approve the minutes of the October 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported that all plots have been marked at the corners. ( And remarked after some children moved the markers.) November 30th, a Sunday, will be the shed cleaning and tool inventory. We will start at noon at Eagle Heights and move to University Houses second.
Some students were soil testing in the garden for lead and other soil parameters as part of a class project. We will be informed of the results when they are finished.
There was a survey about dogs in the garden with fairly good response (129). Gretel said the results are consistent with preserve policy. One question was how do you feel about dogs on a leash in the gardens? 56% of the respondents approved, 33% were neutral, 9% didn’t like dogs in the garden and a few % did not answer. Another question asked how people felt about dogs off leash in the garden. 67% opposed, 21% were neutral, 10% approved and a few% did not answer. Discussion ensued. We need better signage about the leash requirement for dogs at the gardens. Some incoming paths do not have signs.
Thefts have not been as much of a problem this year, but lately the problem has increased. There has also been a problem lately of children running thru the gardens and harassing voles and cranes. Jan in Housing has been able to figure out the children responsible and will be dealing with the issue.
The conversation reverted back to the dog issue. Ulrike said she has confronted dog owners with dogs off leash and she reports that they have been quite rude. Gretel agreed that the owners response can be rude. The dogs were chasing cranes. Gretel asked us all to keep trying to ask owners to put their dogs on leash.
Treasurer’s Report
Angus reported that we are on budget. The garden worker hours are consistent with last year. We need to make our budgeted expenditures by December. We have received Housing accounting numbers for July, August, and half of September. Gretel caught a mistake, which is been corrected. After the previous talk about problems in the garden, he also reported that nice things happen in the gardens too. A gardener gave him some beautiful garlic to plant!
Garden Worker Report
Adam reported that he has a new job with UW grounds and will no longer be able to work for the Gardens because it would be considered overtime. Melita said thanks for everything and the committee agreed.
The mulch along the CALS buffer and the blueberry line was not spread properly and will have to be fixed. Adam said we have a gardener who grew blueberries, gooseberries and currants for us for next year and will get workday credit for his work.
Meeting Attendance
Adam brought up the issue of committee meeting attendance. He said if he wasn’t attending, the committee would not have a resident on the committee. Gretel said this has been a problem for a long time. The committee email list has 60 names on it. Adam said maybe we should survey the gardeners to see if a different day would work better. Discussion included having a workshop at the meeting. Sandra said it would be difficult to do a 10 minute workshop. Gretel said maybe we could survey gardeners at the seed fair. A question could be- ”Would you come to a committee meeting if…..” It was agreed to continue this discussion at the next meeting.
Looking Ahead
A discussion of tasks and issues for the coming season was started on the chalkboard and prioritized.
General
November 2014- Clean shed and do tool inventory
December 2014- new garden worker
Tools inventory discussion and tool purchase
Row cover purchase and storage (Ann agreed to store the row cover in her basement.)
Discuss the demographic survey
Plot marking
January 2015- set plant sale dates
Discuss food pantry issues (bins disappearing and unreliable pickups)
February 2015- seed repackaging and sort
April 2015- Seed Fair
May 2015- rodent solutions
Cleaning the common areas
Chopping off comfrey tops is good for controlling it in paths
Mowing
Eagle Heights specific issues
November 2015- New cart area needs to be mowed and planting daylilies along path (later)
December 2014- Map updateFebruary 2015- replacement for grapes at arbor
May 2015- Blueberry row
University Houses specific issues
December 2014- Weed pile has not been moved- GOC says we can use the old ice rink Contact Shorewood. Landscaping will be needed and the contractor will pay for some of the project.
Map update (small changes)Sink installation Adam said we need a welder. Ulrike asked if a sink was a good idea.
February 2015- need new kiosk
2015 Calendar
Applications available for 2015 - December 15, 2014
Applications DUE- February 15, 2015
Opening day- March 28
Seed Fair- April 11Karen said that she thought Will needed to attend the garden meetings.
Adjourned by 8pm by Jenn.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Diana, Will, Malcolm, Ulrike, Adam, Tianxing, Ann, Gretel, Karen and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Ulrike and seconded by Gretel to approve the minutes of the October 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported that the last day to pay the no workday fee was December 1st. Only 13% have not paid yet which is a little better than last year. Probably another 5 to 6% will pay the fee and the late fee.
Gretel said that a class tested the soil at Eagle Heights garden. They were mostly concerned with test for elevated lead levels. The eagle heights plots and common areas tested were well below the EPA recommended levels for gardening of 400 ppm lead. The levels in the gardens were from 15 to 25 ppm, which is quite low. The results will be presented as part of a class next Wednesday in Science Hall, Room 15 at about 10:40. Gretel hopes we will receive more complete results later.
The 2015 applications are set to become live online on December15th in Mandarin and English.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel reported for Angus that we are on budget. The garden worker hours are consistent with last year.
Tool Inventory
Adam said he fixed shovels last year. Ulrike asked why there was only one cart at University Houses. Adam said they will just move one over from Eagle Heights. Gretel said we have the money budgeted to buy more tools. Everything did fit in the shed.
Demographic survey
There was discussion of doing the demographic survey online as much as possible at the seed fair with Ipads. Telling the people at the beginning that the survey will take 5 minutes was suggested. There was a discussion of the survey we have done in the past. It was decided the question about what state you are from is probably not relevant. We don’t ask the sex of the person and maybe that is a good idea. A new question was suggested, “How long have you been gardening?” Malcolm suggested the following choices: New, 1-5 years and over 5 years. The language question is good for knowing when we need translators.
Gretel said we should think about adding something about committee meeting attendance like “What day is good?” or “What would bring you to a meeting?” Ulrike said we could ask about their five favorite crops. Gretel said we need a mockup by February. Ann said she would help Gretel work on the survey.
Garden Worker Report
Will said the plumbing bills came for the water shutoff, $126 for Eagle Heights and $168 for University Houses. It is more expensive at University Houses because of an expensive backflow valve at University Houses. Eagle Heights system has the valve too, but not within our area of responsibility.
Will presented a list of larger projects completed last year.
The GOC co-chairs asked Adam and I to run the Committee through this material (which we presented during the exit meeting). They felt it was useful for several reasons:
A) to resolve early Spring confusion on project timelines.
B) to indicate complexity and management challenges for consideration when hiring garden workers.
C) to share 2014 project completions
D) to indicate overall garden worker responsibilities
Will and Adam
Garden Worker and Garden Worker Emeritus
What’s below is the original presentation to the GOC co-chairs: Kelly Ignatowski and Kris Ackerbauer
Top of mind 2014 projects…
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
August 13, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Garden
Diana welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Ann and seconded by Andrew to approve the minutes of the July 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
There is no waiting list right now. There are three small plots at Eagle Heights and two large plots at University Houses open.
The Garden Oversight Committee (GOC) will meet at 8:30 am Friday, August 15 at Eagle Heights Garden for a tour. All are welcome to attend. The GOC is the UW committee in charge of the gardens.
Next month we will discuss the first draft of the 2015 budget. Our budget needs to be reviewed by the GOC in October. Other discussions next month include water issues, the need for a reserve and any changes that need to be made to the 2015 application. Some of the issues for the application include produce left in the field and the need to use your plot to grow something.
Gary, a master gardener in the 500’s will give a workshop on growing garlic in the fall.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel reported for Angus said that we are on budget. He received the preliminary numbers thru June from Housing. There is a problem with missing refunds and a few adjustments need to be made. We will end the year on budget.
The UW Housing staff will be getting a new person in the Community Center next week to work on finances.
Garden Worker Report
Adam said they received some new angle iron that is front of the Eagle Heights sink. Gretel said that the iron was interfering with the handicapped parking spot. Kris and Will were attacked by hornets as they were unloading it, which is why it wasn’t pushed further back. They will take care of it.
Adam said that Kris made some new fine soil screens from iron. Andrew asked if one could go to University Houses and Adam said yes.
Adam said backflow valves have been replaced. The 100’s plumbing line has been replaced and the bare dirt has been planted in clover. The committee was very pleased. The extra work crew did great work. There has been only one complaint. There are two additional faucets. Adam noted that there has been considerable plot creep in the 100’s, which made the plumbing work more difficult. Gretel said we need to check in boundaries every year. Adam suggested we more the 100 plots to the south because the path is very narrow. Gretel said that would be difficult because of all the perennials. Gretel said that we need boundary stakes. Adam said he would make a note of it.
Adam said they were on the fourth round of mowing, which means they have had a few more garden hours. Also they received a dumpster full of plank wood, some of which they plan to use to fix the path in the 100’s. Gretel said the planks will probably help define the edges of the plots.
Adam said that there is a problem with people digging for worms in the gardens and leaving holes. He said it would be difficult to stop them, because they get up really early. He has been sending people to dig for worms in the wood chip pile. Adam suggested we start a vermiculture bin and maybe that would help. We could use some of the plank for an in ground bed. Andrew asked if the worms would be depleted? Adam thought the worms would not be depleted as we have a food and vegetable source near the sink. Sandra asked what type of worms the fisherpeople want? Gretel and Karen said they would try to find out.
Adam suggested we make a cloning box. A gardener in the 800 has many cuttings, which he is setting out in fruit in another place. Gretel said we don’t have that much space for many more plants. Adam said that they just wanted to start talking about it.
Gretel suggested that the planks would be good to stabilize the bottom of the 700’s and FH King.
Adam said the University Houses sink could be sanded and painted. Gretel had concerns because the sink had been used for pesticides.
Adam said they have the material for the waterline at University Houses, but the hose problem needs to be solved first. The way we are doing it now just ruins the hoses. Adam suggested a hose reel at the 12 stations. Gretel said we had talked of feeder lines off the main line. Adam said that UW Plumbing would have to do that work. Sandra thought that cranking a hose reel would be more difficult than winding a hose. Andrew asked if we have everything for the plumbing work. Adam said we just needed to buy risers, which are only about $5-10 apiece. Sandra said the water pressure is not good at University Houses. Discussion ensued.
Diana said they need more carts at University Houses. Andrew asked if there were any pitchforks. Adam said they had all been broken. Adam said he would swap a cart for a wheelbarrow at University Houses. Gretel said people use the carts to harvest and take them home and don’t return them. Jenn asked if we could discuss free seeds. Gretel said she had already given away lettuce radishes and beets on Saturday.
Share the Bounty
Jenn said the deliveries have been happening. Sometimes the bins disappear and then things go to waste, which is difficult.
To Do List
Ann asked if it would be good to have a to do list. It was agreed that this was a good idea. Discussion ensued. The priorities would sometimes have to shift. Jenn suggested having time frames.
Adam said the things we have been talking about so far are not very expensive. We want the sink at University Houses to go in this year. Gretel said we have a welder who has volunteered. The discussion returned to the hose problem at University Houses. Diana and Adam agreed to look at the problem and get back to the committee. Planks at University Houses could help stabilize the paths. Sandra said the path C4-C5 had not been chipped for 2 years.
Adjourned 8:08 by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
September 10, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Garden
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcom, Mike, Ulrike, Alice, Diana, Andrew, Ann, Gretel, Karen, Adam and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone.
Garden Worker Report
Adam reported that the workdays were going well. As an experiment, the path along the 1300’s at Eagle Heights is being chipped to see if it helps avoid extra mowing. Irrigation drips are being used on perennial plantings at University Houses and Eagle Heights.
Adam passed out a schematic and explanation of permaculture guild to be used in the CALS buffer areas around the fruit trees. Maybe more Wisconsin natives could be used around the trees along with some tree other friendly plants. The trial would first be tried in the CALS buffer area but might be extended to other tree plantings. Gretel said that maintenance could be a problem. Varieties should be selected that require little maintenance. Adam said that comfrey would not be a good idea, but black eyed susans could be good.
Registrar’s report
There is no waiting list right now. Five or 6 new gardeners got plots in the last week. There are three large and one small plot at Eagle Heights and three large and two small plots at University Houses open.
So far 250 plots at Eagle Heights have completed a workday, which is 44% and the same as last year. At University Houses 50 plots out of 105 have completed a workday, which is 48%.
There have been 7 juries at Eagle Heights and 3 at University Houses. There are still many more weedy plots. Gretel asked if we should have another jury. Discussion ensued. Ulrike suggested that we have a jury at both gardens. It was agreed that another jury is necessary.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel reported for Angus said that we are on budget. In August we paid for the ditch digger for the 100’s waterline.
2015 Application Draft
Gretel presented the draft of the 2015 application. She suggested that we change the due date to February 16th because the 15th is a Sunday. Ulrike thought we should keep the deadline the 15th to avoid confusion. The committee agreed.
Other changes included not offering spring tilling for a fee. Ulrike asked about the pros and cons of tilling. Adam said the cons were tilling can cause more problems with weeds, especially wiregrass. Adam said fall tilling can be useful. Andrew asked if we could have tilling on a case by case basis? Adam said he suggested it. Gretel said we needed to keep an even playing field. Gretel brought up the issue of power tools in the garden, suggesting that the rule be that power tools be used by staff only. Discussion ensued. It was decided that all gardeners could use small, hand held battery operated tools in the gardens. Karen suggested that we offer fall tilling when gardeners could add amendments to the soil. Payment could be by check at time of service.
Gretel said that the changes so far to a application were 1. Tilling out for spring, 2. No power tools except for small hand held tools, and 3. Tilling will be offered in the fall by announcement in August. The committee voted on these changes and all agreed.
Another issue is gardeners only planting a small portion of their plots. Gretel offered the following rule change. Unplanted plots or plots using less than 50% of the plot may be divided. Ulrike asked if ground cover would be okay? Gretel said yes. Melita asked about if there was a time of crisis, if the gardener could get help. Gretel said gardeners can ask for help and pay for an extra workday.
Trenching along the paths is also an issue. Gretel asked for the language to remain the same and be more vigilant about enforcement. The committee agreed.
The late fee for no workday is very low at $10 for a large plot and $5 for a small plot. Gretel asked if we should raise this penalty? Mike said he did not think raising it would work. Gretel said she would like to see a late fee. Mike said he would like to see the committee follow the rules. Karen said that the committee consisted of all gardeners and was open membership. Gretel said that 8% of gardeners paid the late fee. Andrew asked if we could not accept their application if they had not paid. Gretel said we already do that. It was suggested that along with a late fee and a deadline of December 1, the priority of the gardener was changed to a new nonresident. Some people seem to be willing to pay a large fee, but a big drop in their placement on the priority list might change their behavior. The late fees were also changed to $10 and $20. The committee agreed to the change in priority and the raising of the late fee. All other fees will stay the same.
2015 Budget Draft
Gretel presented the 2015 budget draft, which is very similar to this year. In October the GOC will review our budget and send it back to us to finalize in November. Tilling has been removed for 2015 and the number of garden worker hours has been increased for May, June and July. Plumbing costs are up for the last quarter and the portapotty costs are up also. All garden staff received a 1% raise. Thw $14 per hour covers all costs including workman’s compensation. There is also a potential $10,000 plumbing investment. Gretel said the is a $5000 line for new tools. Compost and row cover are budget neutral. The committee agreed to the budget.
Discussion
Adam said he would like us to think of ways to encourage better attendance at the garden committee meetings. Gretel said she sent out an email and got one response. The committee agreed this is an important issue.
To Do List
Adjourned by 8:00 by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
October 8, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Garden
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcolm, Angus, Mark, Diana, Andrew, Ann, Gretel, Karen and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone. Minutes
Motion by Ann and seconded by Mark to approve the minutes of the September 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
Gretel reports that the gardens have had more turnover this year than in previous years with 60-70 new gardeners during the season. Presently there are 4 large and 2 small plots open at Eagle Heights. At University Houses there are 5 large and 2 small plots open. Some gardeners are moving from small to large plots. There are many gardeners who have not completed their workday requirements. Gretel will put out a note about workdays.
It is not possible to have workdays in the evenings now because it gets dark too early. One daytime task is remarking of plots. Gretel reported that there are no more plot marking posts. There will be two workdays on the weekend.
Treasurer’s Report
Angus reported that we are on budget. The garden worker hours are consistent with last year. We need to make our budgeted expenditures by December. Angus reported that his accounting of our finances is fairly good. Housing is behind in their accounting. The gardens uses a housing account number. It would be easier to keep track of if we had our own account. The porta potty company forget to send a bil since June, so we will be paying a large bill when it comes.
2015 Application Draft
Gretel presented the final draft of the 2015 application. As we discussed, she changed the dates to 2015, dropped the tilling, added a section on no power tools, changed the late fee, added a section that the gardener must use the plot and change the priority of a gardener if they did not meet their workday obligation.
Moved by Karen and seconded by Angus to approve the 2015 application. Passed unanimously.l
2015 Budget Draft
Gretel presented the 2015 budget final draft, which is very similar to this year. In October the GOC will review our budget and send it back to us to finalize in November. Tilling has been removed for 2015 and the number of garden worker hours has been increased for May, June and July. Plumbing costs are up for the last quarter and the porta potty costs are up also. All garden staff received a 1% raise. Thw $14 per hour covers all costs including workman’s compensation. There is also a potential $10,000 plumbing investment. Gretel said there is a $5000 line for new tools. Compost and row cover are budget neutral. Discussion ensued over the problem of finding mouse free storage for the row cover that we would like to purchase in December. Ann asked if it would fit thru a small house door, as she has a dry basement. Andrew said we need to decide about the hose hangers for University Houses. Gretel said the other things on the list included the University Houses sink, replacing more of the plumbing lines at Eagle Heights, the road at Eagle Heights, compost area problems and the roof on the shed a University houses has a large hole (not on our side).
Motion by Angus and seconded by Ann to approve the budget. Passed unanimously.Garden Worker Report
Diana announced that there would be no garden worker report because neither Will or Adam was in attendance.
Discussion
Diana suggested we wait until next meeting to discuss garden committee attendance because Adam was unable to be here tonight.
Diana said she thought the Garden Demographic survey was good to have online and on paper. She suggested we try to get more responses by having people fill out the survey while they were waiting in line at the seed fair. Gretel said when it was last included in the 2012 application we received 200-250 responses. The 2012 survey asked the number of gardeners per plot, the principal language spoken, age, origin and the number of people being fed from the plot. Gretel asked if we should change anything we asked. Jenn has a draft of a survey ready for online use. Gretel said we still collect age range, new gardener, student and returning gardener information with the application. Angus said we could probably do a survey with survey monkey. Andrew said a paper copy would be good while waiting in line at the seed fair. Gretel asked what we wanted on the survey. Andrew asked if the survey was required by the GOC. Gretel said it wasn’t required, but they were interested. Gretel said we were not getting a very good response rate.
2015 Calendar
Applications available for 2015 - December 15, 2014
Applications DUE- February 15, 2015
Opening day- March 28
Seed Fair- April 11
Ann suggested that we give away cool weather crop seeds at the orientations on opening day. The committee agreed that this was a good idea.
Gretel said since the seeds are now stored in the closet, we can easily sort and repackage earlier.
Garden Tasks
The shed cleaning and tool inventory will be November 30. We need 7 to 8 people and we can do both sheds. The porta potty will be removed and the water turned off around October 20th. Workday credit is not given for shed cleaning
Ann suggested that we start a list of routine maintenance jobs. Ann said we need more juries. Gretel said we had more weedy plots than previous years. Karen said maybe there were more weedy plots because we had more rain. Gretel said we did not get feedback about the garlic workshop yet.
To Do List
Adjourned by 7:42 by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
November 12, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Garden
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Malcolm, Angus, Ulrike, Jenn, Adam, Tianxing, Mark, Ann, Gretel, Karen and Melita.
Jenn welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Gretel and seconded by Ann to approve the minutes of the October 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported that all plots have been marked at the corners. ( And remarked after some children moved the markers.) November 30th, a Sunday, will be the shed cleaning and tool inventory. We will start at noon at Eagle Heights and move to University Houses second.
Some students were soil testing in the garden for lead and other soil parameters as part of a class project. We will be informed of the results when they are finished.
There was a survey about dogs in the garden with fairly good response (129). Gretel said the results are consistent with preserve policy. One question was how do you feel about dogs on a leash in the gardens? 56% of the respondents approved, 33% were neutral, 9% didn’t like dogs in the garden and a few % did not answer. Another question asked how people felt about dogs off leash in the garden. 67% opposed, 21% were neutral, 10% approved and a few% did not answer. Discussion ensued. We need better signage about the leash requirement for dogs at the gardens. Some incoming paths do not have signs.
Thefts have not been as much of a problem this year, but lately the problem has increased. There has also been a problem lately of children running thru the gardens and harassing voles and cranes. Jan in Housing has been able to figure out the children responsible and will be dealing with the issue.
The conversation reverted back to the dog issue. Ulrike said she has confronted dog owners with dogs off leash and she reports that they have been quite rude. Gretel agreed that the owners response can be rude. The dogs were chasing cranes. Gretel asked us all to keep trying to ask owners to put their dogs on leash.
Treasurer’s Report
Angus reported that we are on budget. The garden worker hours are consistent with last year. We need to make our budgeted expenditures by December. We have received Housing accounting numbers for July, August, and half of September. Gretel caught a mistake, which is been corrected. After the previous talk about problems in the garden, he also reported that nice things happen in the gardens too. A gardener gave him some beautiful garlic to plant!
Garden Worker Report
Adam reported that he has a new job with UW grounds and will no longer be able to work for the Gardens because it would be considered overtime. Melita said thanks for everything and the committee agreed.
The mulch along the CALS buffer and the blueberry line was not spread properly and will have to be fixed. Adam said we have a gardener who grew blueberries, gooseberries and currants for us for next year and will get workday credit for his work.
Meeting Attendance
Adam brought up the issue of committee meeting attendance. He said if he wasn’t attending, the committee would not have a resident on the committee. Gretel said this has been a problem for a long time. The committee email list has 60 names on it. Adam said maybe we should survey the gardeners to see if a different day would work better. Discussion included having a workshop at the meeting. Sandra said it would be difficult to do a 10 minute workshop. Gretel said maybe we could survey gardeners at the seed fair. A question could be- ”Would you come to a committee meeting if…..” It was agreed to continue this discussion at the next meeting.
Looking Ahead
A discussion of tasks and issues for the coming season was started on the chalkboard and prioritized.
General
November 2014- Clean shed and do tool inventory
December 2014- new garden worker
Tools inventory discussion and tool purchase
Row cover purchase and storage (Ann agreed to store the row cover in her basement.)
Discuss the demographic survey
Plot marking
January 2015- set plant sale dates
Discuss food pantry issues (bins disappearing and unreliable pickups)
February 2015- seed repackaging and sort
April 2015- Seed Fair
May 2015- rodent solutions
Cleaning the common areas
Chopping off comfrey tops is good for controlling it in paths
Mowing
Eagle Heights specific issues
November 2015- New cart area needs to be mowed and planting daylilies along path (later)
December 2014- Map updateFebruary 2015- replacement for grapes at arbor
May 2015- Blueberry row
University Houses specific issues
December 2014- Weed pile has not been moved- GOC says we can use the old ice rink Contact Shorewood. Landscaping will be needed and the contractor will pay for some of the project.
Map update (small changes)Sink installation Adam said we need a welder. Ulrike asked if a sink was a good idea.
February 2015- need new kiosk
2015 Calendar
Applications available for 2015 - December 15, 2014
Applications DUE- February 15, 2015
Opening day- March 28
Seed Fair- April 11Karen said that she thought Will needed to attend the garden meetings.
Adjourned by 8pm by Jenn.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes
December 10, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Garden
December 10, 2014, 6:30 PM
Eagle Heights Garden
6:30 – Delicious Food and great conversation by Sandra, Diana, Will, Malcolm, Ulrike, Adam, Tianxing, Ann, Gretel, Karen and Melita.
Diana welcomed everyone.
Minutes
Motion by Ulrike and seconded by Gretel to approve the minutes of the October 2014 meeting. Passed unanimously.
Registrar’s report
Gretel reported that the last day to pay the no workday fee was December 1st. Only 13% have not paid yet which is a little better than last year. Probably another 5 to 6% will pay the fee and the late fee.
Gretel said that a class tested the soil at Eagle Heights garden. They were mostly concerned with test for elevated lead levels. The eagle heights plots and common areas tested were well below the EPA recommended levels for gardening of 400 ppm lead. The levels in the gardens were from 15 to 25 ppm, which is quite low. The results will be presented as part of a class next Wednesday in Science Hall, Room 15 at about 10:40. Gretel hopes we will receive more complete results later.
The 2015 applications are set to become live online on December15th in Mandarin and English.
Treasurer’s Report
Gretel reported for Angus that we are on budget. The garden worker hours are consistent with last year.
Tool Inventory
Adam said he fixed shovels last year. Ulrike asked why there was only one cart at University Houses. Adam said they will just move one over from Eagle Heights. Gretel said we have the money budgeted to buy more tools. Everything did fit in the shed.
Demographic survey
There was discussion of doing the demographic survey online as much as possible at the seed fair with Ipads. Telling the people at the beginning that the survey will take 5 minutes was suggested. There was a discussion of the survey we have done in the past. It was decided the question about what state you are from is probably not relevant. We don’t ask the sex of the person and maybe that is a good idea. A new question was suggested, “How long have you been gardening?” Malcolm suggested the following choices: New, 1-5 years and over 5 years. The language question is good for knowing when we need translators.
Gretel said we should think about adding something about committee meeting attendance like “What day is good?” or “What would bring you to a meeting?” Ulrike said we could ask about their five favorite crops. Gretel said we need a mockup by February. Ann said she would help Gretel work on the survey.
Garden Worker Report
Will said the plumbing bills came for the water shutoff, $126 for Eagle Heights and $168 for University Houses. It is more expensive at University Houses because of an expensive backflow valve at University Houses. Eagle Heights system has the valve too, but not within our area of responsibility.
Will presented a list of larger projects completed last year.
The GOC co-chairs asked Adam and I to run the Committee through this material (which we presented during the exit meeting). They felt it was useful for several reasons:
A) to resolve early Spring confusion on project timelines.
B) to indicate complexity and management challenges for consideration when hiring garden workers.
C) to share 2014 project completions
D) to indicate overall garden worker responsibilities
Will and Adam
Garden Worker and Garden Worker Emeritus
What’s below is the original presentation to the GOC co-chairs: Kelly Ignatowski and Kris Ackerbauer
Top of mind 2014 projects…
1) wall segment in 1000s path
2) relocated raspberry plantation from shed to rock berm at EH
3) new irrigation line in 100s
4) prepped extension of EH blueberry hedge
5) prepped future bush fruit area in CALS buffer
6) repaired the steel soil and leaf screens, adding 3 additional units to service.
7) expanded cart fleet: 12 carts
8) refurbished existing wheel barrows with flat free wheels
9) refurbished all broken tools, including 25 shovels by replacing handles
10) New common planting in old UH plot
11) Chipped EH border
12) 5 rounds of mowing
What do garden workers do?
1) Manage 40-45 workdays per season. This is demanding work because the work crews are never predictable, so flexibility and significant project planning is required. Sat and Sun availability is necessary from early April to mid-November.
2) Manage community resources: water system; tools, carts, and equipment; leaf, compost, wood chip, and weed areas
3) Manage community permaculture resources: ~100 fruit trees, 2 extensive blueberry plantations, raspberry and blackberry plantations
4) Coordinate with UW and Shorewood services: mostly waste stream deliveries, but also equipment use for projects.
5) Hand mow the paths and common areas
6) Responsible for about 90-95% of all garden purchasing
7) Maintain/provide extensive records of all work and all expenses/purchases
We also presented a chronology of our 2 most extensive projects for 2014.
Plumbing:
October 21, 2013...open branch lines at the ends, drain field ahead of frost conditions this evening
October 27, 2013...clear paths from utility road to irrigation gate valves
November 22, 2013…move plumbing order for 100s from Rundell-Spence to EH shed
July 31, 2014…dig out 100s irrigation line and leave on surface for replacement
Aug 1, 2014…walk 100s line with Gretel to discuss installation, replacement of water spigots.
Aug 1, 2014…get lift gate truck, go to Ace for supplies, go to A to Z rental for ditch witch, deliver witch to shed.
Aug 2, 2014…ditch witch 360 feet of trench for 100s irrigation line, assemble entire water line for 100s
Aug 3, 2014…dig spur trench from 100s line to blueberry plantation, complete sink run and blueberry spur plumbing, clear trench debris, drop new water line in place, install t-poles, bind risers to poles, backfill trench, plant clover mix, add thin mulch layer chips to protect from rain (in forecast), disassemble old line. Remove all debris from 100s path
Wall Building Project:
September 12, 2013... Drive tilt-bed to Physical Sciences Lab in Stoughton. load, deliver, unload cast stone block for wall building in 1000s row at EHCG.
October 14, 2013...meet Lyle for cement delivery to shed (~5000 pounds)
November 1, 2013...Home Depot for wall building supplies
November 2, 2013...EH Workday dig foundation for path wall mid-field
November 3, 2013...EH workday: lay foundation for retaining wall in 900s
November 10, 2013...workday at Eagle Heights, pour 25 bags (96ibs/bag) of cement, plus aggregrate, into wall foundation in 900s.
November 17, 2013...no workday at EH. We cancelled b/c of rain and tornado watch
March 31, 2014...tarp bricks at EHCG, reset fence (by bricks) at EHCG
April 19, 2014...wall work in EHCG
April 20, 2014...workday on wall in EH
April 21, 2014...get pallets of brick moved from pines to stage point in 900s path
April 25, 2014...get 2000 pounds of cement, unload cement
April 26, 2014...workday build wall
May 3, 2014...workday build wall
May 4, 2014...workday at EH: wall building
Will said he was sorry that the middle page of his presentation had not been copied, which he said was the information that this was part of the seasonal exit interview and Adam’s formal exit interview. (The entire packet is presented in the minutes after it was sent to the committee via email after the meeting.) Will said that the GOC co-chairs wanted us to see how different the projects are. Melita said the scythe is difficult on a woman. Adam said there was a learning curve. Gretel said Emma used the scythe. Discussion ensued. Adam said he never built a wall with volunteers before.
Adam said they were concerned with a section of trees at Eagle Heights. The problem was tested and turned out to be a smut fungus and NOT fire blight. The sooty trees at Eagle Heights are the result of aphid excretion on the bark and probably can be controlled with sulfur. Laura Wyatt form the Lakeshore Preserve is helping advise us on the fruit trees.
Adam asked about garden worker hiring. Why did the email Diana sent have two positions? Diana said we could advertise for one, but two might be nice. Discussion ensued. Gretel said a possible option would be to hire an extra worker just for the summer. Adam said a third worker adds a new level of logistics. Diana said adding a third worker could be done. Adam said an announcement made like that with no discussion rubbed him the wrong way. Ann asked what the garden workers thought about having a third worker.
Will said it depends on who the person is. We are asking the person to give up weekends in the summer and get up early. He said he thought we couldn’t replace Emma and then we hired Adam.
Ann noted that the time was slipping away and we needed to talk about tool buying. Will said a list of general tools we need will cost about $3000. Ann mentioned we need hoses for University Houses. Will said the heavy duty hose reels will cost about $5000. It was agreed to formalize the tool buying list by email. We need field hoes, 2 broadforks, a couple of real hay forks for leaves, a good tree sprayer for about $250, one scythe and small wheelbarrows. It might be a good idea to have an instructional class about use of tools.
Will noted that we spent $2737 on the Fruit program, which is 1.8% over the time of the program.
Looking Ahead
This list is from the November meeting.
General
December 2014- new garden worker
Tools inventory discussion and tool purchase
Row cover purchase and storage (Ann agreed to store the row cover in her basement.)
Discuss the demographic survey
Plot marking
January 2015- set plant sale dates
Discuss food pantry issues (bins disappearing and unreliable pickups)
February 2015- seed repackaging and sort
April 2015- Seed Fair
May 2015- rodent solutions
Cleaning the common areas
Chopping off comfrey tops is good for controlling it in paths
Mowing
Eagle Heights specific issues
November 2015- New cart area needs to be mowed and planting daylilies along path (later)
December 2014- Map update
February 2015- replacement for grapes at arbor
May 2015- Blueberry row
February 2015- replacement for grapes at arbor
May 2015- Blueberry row
University Houses specific issues
December 2014- Weed pile has not been moved- GOC says we can use the old ice rink Contact Shorewood. Landscaping will be needed and the contractor will pay for some of the project.
Map update (small changes)
Sink installation Adam said we need a welder. Ulrike asked if a sink was a good idea.
February 2015- need new kiosk
2015 Calendar
Applications available for 2015 - December 15, 2014
Applications DUE- February 15, 2015
Opening day- March 28
Seed Fair- April 11
Adjourned by 8pm by Diana.
Submitted by Karen
Subject to correction by the Garden Committee
