November 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

November 9, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Ric, Niels, Jessica, Ann, Megan, Ninja, Jolene, Barb L, Ron, Barb A and Karen.


Minutes Motion to approve the October 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.


Registrar Update

Lily says the 2023 application has been updated and includes mandatory orientation for new gardeners. There will only be one workday required for 2022 and 2023 due to too few workday opportunities.

The Gardens Network Rooted would like to do a workshop in the gardens in June.

There was a discussion about where to put job postings for the Garden Worker positions. There was a comment about how easy it is to read older documents about the running of the gardens.

Garden Worker Report

Megan said we have the cart parts order but it is cold and hard to work in the shed. Garden tools are being put away this weekend and the tool order will be made then. We probably need forks and thin tine forks. A set of tools will be left out at University Houses and two sets at Eagle Heights.

Long Range Plan

The Long Range Plan was developed over the last year with the help of Rhonda from Facilities Planning. The committee needs to review the draft, make additions or corrections and approve the draft. Discussion ensued. There is a need for more activity from the Weed Juries. Perhaps there should be two groups a month. This would mean the gardens would be reviewed twice a month during the growing season. We should consider asking gardeners to remove certain weeds like thistles and Artemisia. We would need twice the number of jurors. The 700’s wall is listed in the draft, but it has been completed. There was a suggestion that ongoing maintenance tasks should be listed, like the maintenance of the 700’s wall. A rough draft of tasks would be good.

A calendar of tasks would be good. Someone mentioned that there is an existing one someplace. Ann sent an electronic copy of an old calendar. An example would be having the mowers serviced every January.

It would be a good idea to have a permanent map of plots that would indicate all the possible half plots in the garden so the map always has all the information. There are a few plots that cannot be divided. There is also a problem with the marker posts. We are considering using PVC cap on metal posts to mark plots.

One of the high priority items is the erosion on the north-south road at Eagle Heights. Discussion ensued. The concrete pieces protect our water pipes. There was concern that this road should be a shared responsibility because others drive on the road but gardeners just walk on it. This is a discussion item for the GOC.

The access to the first weed and leaf pile at University Houses is a difficult problem. The road floods and is very soft during rainy conditions. We have permission to dump on the basketball court and move the pile with small mechanical equipment. The other choice is to service University Houses during dry or frozen conditions.

Path maintenance was discussed. Perennial weeds are a problem.

Finishing the 900’s wall from 929 to 921 is on the list. Megan said we probably don’t have enough good material to build a wall.

Invasive species control is also important. The ditch along the 100’s does not drain well and there is sometimes standing water.

Evaluate the irrigation system. What about having two lines go up the main road and service alternating rows. That way when one line sprung a leak, water would not be as far away. We should establish a minimum depth for the lines. Every riser needs a post. The 100’s line is about 5 years old now and gives no problems. The 1300’s line is probably the worst, but 1100”s is also bad. Megan says she would be capable of replacing a single line, but the UW plumbers would need to do the main lines. The Committee thought we should ask the advice of the UW Plumbers about how to proceed. We would have to do the digging as they do not dig. We need some plumbing volunteers. Tom Bryan also knows about plumbing. There should be a Sub-committee about irrigation which Megan and Niels expressed interest in. We own all the risers and faucets already. Establish what needs to be done, prioritize the tasks and do them.

The issue of unmanaged birdhouses is mostly solved with the wren plates installed. We need to get rid of the broken bricks.

The leaf pile will be discussed at the next meeting.

Motion by Niels and seconded by Megan to adjourn. Adjourned 8:14

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

October 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

October 12, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Ninja, Jolene, Barb L, Ron, Barb A and Karen.


Minutes Motion by Barb A and seconded by Lily to approve the

September 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.

Registrar Update

Lily says she has been sick and will leave the meeting after her report. Lily has sent the long term planning document draft to the Committee list. Some of the suggestions include, should the garden juries meet more frequently? We could have a discussion of the draft at the next meeting.

Since freezing weather is in the forecast, water turn off has been requested from the UW plumbers. There are quite a few abandoned plots but the number is not out of the ordinary.

Garden Worker Report

Jolene said that Megan turned in a large carts part order yesterday. Human Resources has approved our request for 3 garden workers. The positions will be posted on January 1st of the year. The committee was very positive about how well the mowing contact for the year was done by Tanya. We need mowing done like this every year, which is 2 hours a week. The committee needs to brainstorm about hiring good garden workers. Jolene suggests that we have a written statement about what is expected in a garden worker.

Jolene reports that Will resigned last month as a garden worker. He could still do contract plumbing work.

Additional topics

The large water leak near the leaf pile has been fixed.

Introductions

We all introduced ourselves as there was a new attendee.

Adjourned 7:25

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

September 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

September 14, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Megan, Arya, Jessica, Barb A, Niels, Alan, Ric and Karen.


Minutes Motion by Barb A and seconded by Lily to approve the August 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.


Registrar Update

We were asked by a student group to participate in a bee hotel workshop that would be located near where FH King had their old beehives. There was discussion about the health of native bees and which practices are best for native bee health. Barb A agreed to work with the group to insure the well being of the native bees.

Ulrike has agreed to do a straw bale garden workshop next year. Matt proposes a beelining workshop, which we will review.

There is an issue of maintenance along the path edges. At this time of year there are many woody weeds along some pathes. The weed wackers will no longer clear them, Discussion ensued. Megan thinks that weed wacker use should be supervised. A serious problem with path weeds is cutting into the water line while digging weeds. Gardening outside the plot border is also a problem because people can cut the water line.

Lily has asked if horse manure can be delivered again this year.

The ice cream social will not be held this year, but there will be a casual harvest social this fall where gardeners can talk to other gardeners. Lily will pick a date and announce it.

Garden Worker Report

Megan said the pandemic was hard on workdays. Garden workdays are good opportunities for education and training in the gardens. Community gardens are social and gardening. We have lots of turnover and many gardeners. We are not looking for perfection in the gardens.

Discussion ensued about path maintenance. Suggestions included having a path steward, cleaning the six inches along the plot border so the path could be kept mowed close and schedule work days early in the season.

Additional topics

Workdays

Combining workdays for this year and next is not a great option, but we have had a lot of gardeners that want to do a workday, but have not had an opportunity to do so. Lily does not want a gardener to have to pay for a workday if they were willing to work. We do not have enough supervisors to get enough work days before the end of the season.

Motion by Barb A and seconded by Karen to combine this years and next year's workday requirement. Motion passed 9-0.

The Arbor Garden workday needs 2 volunteers. Megan will have a workday next weekend.

Cart Repair and marker posts

Megan has a list of needed parts to repair the carts. Discussion ensued.

Forty marker posts are missing at University Houses and all marker posts were there at the beginning of the season. There was a suggestion to use a white pvc cap screwed on top of the conduit . The numbers would be painted on. The committee thought this was a good idea.

Motion by Ric and seconded by Jessica to spend up to $1000 for cart parts and conduit.

Motion passed 8-0.

Mexican Bean Beetles

Lily said we ordered the parasitic wasps as soon as Gretel detected Mexican Bean Beetle larva. We immediately ordered the wasps and they came in two weeks. This timing seems to be perfect because there is little bean beetle damage on the beans. We should do it this way next year.

Niels suggested meeting in person.

Motion by Jessica and seconded by Niels

Adjourned

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

August 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

August 10, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Megan, Jolene, Jessica, Ann, Barb A, Ninja and Karen.


Minutes Motion by Lily and seconded by Barb A to approve the

July 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.

Registrar Update

Lily said there are 6 full plots and 2 half plots vacant. Two new applications were received today for full plots. The empty plots are in bad shape with tall weeds. Lily said two University Houses abandoned gardens were recently given to new gardeners. Megan and Lily did a walkthrough of the gardens and found many trees that need to be removed. Some of the trees are quite large. The trees need to be removed.

Lily will try to order a dumpster for the unwanted bricks at the weed pile. The gardens were offered some large stones by UW Physical Plant. After email discussion it was agreed to not take the stones as they were very large and would be difficult to work with using human labor.

Garden Worker Report

Megan will be having workdays soon. The water leak at the end of the 1100’s is getting worse. Megan will dig it tomorrow and try to fix it.

Megan will make a kit for signs for the Share Shelf, Lost and Found and Wood Chip Forks so a gardener can make these as a workday.

Megan said the tree island at the end of the 600’s is cleaned up and is ready for picnics at the multiple tables.

Workdays

We need more workdays. Discussion ensued. Garden lead workdays are a good idea. It was suggested that we ask gardeners if they want to lead a workshop on a gardening topic of their choice. Gardeners would submit their proposals to the committee for approval. Another independent workday idea is clearing weeds along the paths. The cart repair workday is coming soon.

The buffer zone planting drainage way north of the 500’s needs to be cleaned up and maintained. Megan said she thinks it will take multiple workdays to clean it up.

Mexican Bean Beetles

Lily said we ordered the parasitic wasps as soon as Gretel detected Mexican Bean Beetle larva. We immediately ordered the wasps and they came in two weeks. This timing seems to be perfect because there is little bean beetle damage on the beans. We should do it this way next year.

Other

The arbor garden is teeming with bees and hummingbirds.

Ice Cream Social could be in September.

Motion by Barb A and seconded by Lily

Adjourned around 7:25

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

July 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

July 13, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

Present: Lily, Ninja, Jessica, Megan, Ann, Niels, Ric, Barb L, Barb A., Jolene and Karen

Minutes

Motion by Barb A and seconded by Ann to approve the June 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.

Registrar

Lily said there are 5 vacant plots. The parasitic wasps will be delivered by Friday. She described the proposed lock on the gate at the entrance. The group talked about who might need to get access including Shorewood Heights workers delivering leaves and removing compost, grounds workers, and gardeners with disabilities. Lily said we will have to work with these groups. The committee discussed having a contact posted, such as the registrar's email for those who have questions about the locked gate. The Fire and Police Departments will add their own lock and will have access.

Lily also brought up households who have a half plot in addition to whole plots and how they should be counted for workdays. She also mentioned that the GOC has fines for erecting unauthorized structures and allowing unleashed pets in the gardens and that we should post these fines on a sign.

Jolene mentioned that making disability accommodations could be difficult for the Gardens as the gardens are not accessible.

Garden Worker Report

Megan reported that the cart parts are expensive and she will send an email with the cost. The committee can comment before the purchase. Ric said we could make our own handles with his tubing bender. We could have a cart repair party. Karen said she would bring her saws-all. Some wheelbarrows are needed for Eagle Heights.

The water is off and the plumbers have been called.

Megan would like to make the tree island near FH King a workday priority for this week. It will be hot and a workday in the shade is a good idea. The committee agreed. There is a large tree at the end of the 600’s which is a problem. Lily and Megan will check on it.

Additional topics   

Hiring a Garden Worker

Jolene said the prospective garden worker decided not to take the job. We will probably not be able to hire a garden worker through Human Resources until next year. Discussion ensued about how many garden workers we want to hire and when. Jolen suggests we try hiring in November for next year. After much discussion, the committee decided to try to hire two more garden workers.

Backflow Valves

Karen suggested we buy a backflow valve for the entire line instead of the backflow preventers on each spigot. This would save time for the garden worker checking to see if all the backflow preventers are present. A few years ago this was suggested. The UW plumber would have to do the work.

Motion by Ann and seconded by Barb L to have backflow preventers installed on the main line no to exceed $1000. Motion passed.

Lead Paint

After discussion the new rule will read “Please be careful not to bring old lead painted items into the gardens.”

Parking

Discussion ensued about the parking being often full. Jolene said there were some parking lots redone at Eagle Heights and that could be the problem. The work is now finished.

Motion by Barb A and second by Ann to adjourn.

Submitted by Karen and Barb , subject to correction by the Garden Committee

June 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

June 8 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Megan, Ann, Barb A, Ninja and Karen.


Minutes Motion by Barb A and seconded by Megan to approve the

May 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.

There was a discussion about so few people at the meeting. We agreed to meet but our decisions should go to the next meeting when we have more people for approval.


Registrar Update

Lily said that there are more than 20 shed keys in the log, which is too many and some must be lost. Jolene suggests that we replace the locks with keypad locks. It will cost about $300 per lock plus installation costs. Discussion ensued about the condition of the doors. Ric has fixed the doors in the past. Lily will ask Ric if he is available to repair the doors again and then have the keypads installed.

There has been a request that we have a lost and found at both gardens separate from the share shelves with good signs for each area. We have some shelves that could be used for lost and found.

There have been several complaints about unleashed dogs in the gardens. Dogs MUST be leased in the garden and UW Preserve. The Arbor Garden is also not a playground. Many people come to the garden that are not gardeners. We need to have better signage telling people what is expected in the gardens. The signs should be in all the languages that UW Housing normally uses.

Lily would like to require mandatory orientation for all new gardeners starting in 2023. There have been two gardeners that started gardening in the wrong plot and destroyed the work of the correct gardener. The workday was waived for the gardeners with ruined gardens. The committee agreed.

Also a project for the next year is a redoing of the plot lines in the 500 row so all back corners meet. This would be difficult, but with a lot of warning, it could be done.

Rhonda is working on the long range plan. When the draft is ready, Lily will ask the sub-committee to meet and send it to the Garden Committee for action.

UW rules do not allow Little Free Libraries except in buildings. Also memorial benches cost $10,000 each and must be replaced every 15 years. We need to think of something else to remember the gardeners we have lost.

Replacement of the Arbor was discussed. The old sign for the Arbor is in the shed. The committee would like to see the Arbor replaced.

A gardener has asked to release ladybugs in the garden. The Committee decided that all such releases require Committee approval, which was given.

Water Leaks

The last water leak was on the main line, which affected many gardeners at a difficult time just after planting. There was water for the 100’s and 500’s line, but all other plots did not have water. Many gardeners commented about the lack of water. Perhaps we should have a policy about when to call the UW Plumber. Discussion ensued. Proposed policy: “If the break involves more than one line, we should call the plumber right away. If the leak is on just one row, the UW Plumber should be called after 4 days.” Megan said the garden worker needs to dig out the problem area before the UW Plumber is called. Perhaps we should consider dividing the main line into two sections in the future so fewer gardeners would be affected by a leak in the main line.

Maintenance Requests

Lily proposes an online request form for problems on the website and Sandra says it is possible. This way all requests do not have to be funneled through the Registrar's email. Megan said this would make requests easier for her because she could use her phone to track the requests.

Garden Worker Report

Megan has ordered plot posts and is getting more paint for the tools. She will have weeding workdays every Sunday. Megan proposes getting more wheelbarrows for University Houses. Perhaps we should buy solid wheels on new wheelbarrows. There is a problem of people keeping garden-owned tools in their plots. Also garden forks get buried in the wood chip pile after gardeners leave the tools in the pile and a new load is delivered. Perhaps we should have a wood chip fork stand near the pile and explain why the fork needs to be placed on the stand.

Megan will make a kit for signs for the Share Shelf, Lost and Found and Wood Chip Forks so a gardener can make these as a workday.

Do we also need wheelbarrows at Eagle Heights? The answer is yes. Discussion ensued about carts and wheelbarrows and their repair. There was a discussion about having a repair workday for carts and wheelbarrows with experienced volunteers. Megan will get a price list for cart parts.

It was pointed out that about all the carts were gone and there were very few gardeners in the gardens. Lily will ask the other groups about this.

What about putting memorials to gardeners we have lost on tools?

There are problems with the hoses at University Houses. Megan wants to buy new hoses. We need some instructions about how to use the hose reels at University Houses.

Worker pay

The new garden worker position was advertised at $17 per hour. Discussion ensued.

Motion by Ann and seconded by Barb A that all garden employees should get the same pay. Motion passed.

Co-Chair Report

Ninja said we have a possible Garden Worker for the position. Unfortunately the person can only work until the end of August. The committee agreed that we should hire the interim person and post the position and try to find a long term garden worker.

Motion by Megan and seconded by Lily

Adjourned around 8:25

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

May 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

May 11, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Jolene, Ann, Barb L, Ninja, Jessica, Niels and Karen.


Minutes Motion by Niels and seconded by Barb L to approve the

April 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.


Registrar Update

Lily reports that there are less than 10 people on the waiting list and 10 plots have been returned for a new gardener to be assigned.

UW rules for permanent structures are strict. Rhonda is checking to see if Little Free Libraries are allowed in the garden.

Mark found two more umbrellas so there can be picnic tables at University Houses with umbrellas. One of the umbrellas has been installed in the existing University Houses picnic table. We need to get a second table for the other umbrella.

We agreed to keep the two benches at University houses and put pavers under the legs so the wood is not in direct contact with the soil. The exact location needs to be decided.

The idea of putting plaques on benches as a memorial to gardeners who have passed away was discussed and the committee thought it was a good idea. The memorial plaques are not necessarily for the benches that we have at UH. We would need a bench at EH for that and could also have one at UH but these benches are quite weathered so they might not work. The committee will need to discuss the memorial benches if we get permission for them.

There was discussion about painted wood in the garden. Paints can contain lead and PFAS, both of which are toxic. Old chipping paint can get in the soil. We should move to ban painted items from the gardens.

Lily is meeting with Megan to coordinate workdays this year. There are three types of workdays.

Garden worker led

Experienced gardener led

Individual

Jolene says that Will is going to do workdays this year. Will is interested in replacing a waterline this year. Lily will contact Will.

Compost

Compost from UW West Ag Station is now $70 a cubic yard. The compost delivery charge is $2.16/mile round trip, so the $30 is an estimate based on our location in relation to the Ag station. The price when we bought it in 2017 was $35 a cubic yard. Our garden carts hold 7 cubic feet. The cost for a half cart load is now about $8.90. Discussion ensued about subsidizing the cost of the compost and keeping the cost at $5 a half cart load. We need to tell the gardeners that we are selling it at half price. The committee agreed that selling compost at University Houses is a priority.

If we have the compost delivered directly to both gardens on separate days, we will have enough carts to have workday volunteers help deliver the compost to the plots. For the University Houses delivery, we need to check with the Preserve about having the compost sit on the Basketball court for a day.

The compost sale will be first come first serve. We need to make the sale day weather dependent. Compost can be ordered the day before delivery. The sale will probably be on a weekend in early June. In 2018, 15 cubic yards were delivered and they sold out. We should order 25 cubic yards, which is about 200 half cart loads.

Co-Chair Report

Jessica said we still need a Garden Worker. She asked if anyone knew a potential garden worker candidate. Jessica and Ninja will ask Lily to send an email to all gardeners and if there are no responses, the job will be posted.

Garden Worker Report

Megan was unable to attend. The mowing contract has started for this season. Jolene said that mowing will probably revert to the garden workers in the future. Maybe we'll need three garden workers if mowing is included.

Plant Sale

Warm weather plants- May 22 10am to 1pm

Barb L said there is a lack of garden forks. We should email Megan with tool requests.

Karen reports technical difficulties posting the minutes to the website and is seeking IT help.

Motion by Barb L and seconded by Niels

Adjourned around 7:40


Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

April 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

April 13, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Barb A, Ann, Barb L, Ninja, Jessica, Arya, Ric, Megan and Karen.


Minutes Motion by Lily and seconded by Barb A to approve the

March 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.

Jolene has agreed to be the supervisor of Barb A for the Master Gardener program requirements..

Registrar Update

Lily reports that the gardens were full on March18th. There are 12 on the waiting list and 4 plots have been returned for a new gardener to be assigned. Lily asked the committee if it was okay to require no payment for people on the waiting list until a plot is available. Payment will be required when a plot is assigned. The committee agreed that this was a good change

Gardeners from 166 plots came to the Seed Fair to get their seed packets. Twenty gardeners got their seeds later. Row cover sold well thanks to Barb L. The competitive aspect of previous seed fairs was absent because the packets were made in advance. There were many good conversations at the tables and the weather was good. A good suggestion was made to translate the seed fair notice in the future.

There is a request of a 7th grade boy not associated with the garden to volunteer. Discussion ensued about children volunteering and background checks. The committee decided to suggest the person volunteer with Troy Gardens, Rooted, Badger Rock gardens or a school garden run by Master Gardeners. Activities with children without their parents will not be allowed by gardeners will not be allowed because of UW background check policy.

Lily suggested that we have a tool jury. Workday volunteers would return tools to the shed. Megan said she thought it was a good idea because many tools are left in plots. Megan said the tools will be painted bright red.

There has been a request for a Little Free Library at the pear tree in the 1200’s row. The committee thought that was too far out and suggested the Share Shelf instead.

There was discussion about the compost sale. In the past the compost was sold by the half cartful. A full cart of compost is too heavy for our carts. University Houses needs compost too. Lily will check about compost availability. Two rolls of row cover have been sold and a third has been ordered.

Ric volunteered to lead workdays.

Lily does not have an update about the Long Range Plan.

Garden Worker Report

Megan asked when the water would go on. Probably it will be late April of early May. Megan will put the hoses out at University Houses when the water goes on. She reports that the tools numbers are pretty good, but there are a lot of broken tools. Megan needed poles for plot markers and paint for tool handles.

Co-Chair Report

Jessica said we still need a Garden Worker. She asked if anyone knew a potential candidate. Jessica and Ninja will ask previous candidates.

Plant Sales

Gardens to Be is available to have the plant sales this year. The proposed dates are April 23rd or 24th for the cool weather plants and May 21st or 22nd for the warm weather plants.

Other Items

Lily explained the Garden Jury process to explain how we deal with abandoned plots.

This year is the 60th anniversary of Eagle Heights Gardens. Discussion ensued. An Ice Cream Social at Eagle Heights was suggested. Jolene has written a short history of the Garden. Maybe we could have a history page on the website.

Discussion went back to the ice cream social. It is probably better to engage a commercial ice cream company with Food Safe certified servers for such a large gathering. Babcock would be the first choice. The Chocolate Shoppe will also be good.

There were introductions at the end of the meeting.

Motion by Barb A and seconded by All

Adjourned around 8

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

March 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

March 9, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Barb A, Ann, Barb L, Jolene, Sandra, Megan and Karen.

Minutes Motion by Ann and seconded by Barb A to approve the February 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.

Registrar Update

Lily said reports that we have no waiting list now. We have some half plots left. We have had 98 new applicants. She is only assigning plot in the F row at University Houses if the gardener accepts that the plots are difficult due to the walnut tree close by.

A Girl Scout leader with a garden plot has asked if it would be possible for the children to volunteer in the garden common areas. Jolene said there are all sorts of university rules about supervision of children. She said it is not easy and the supervising person would have to pass a background check. Jolene and Lily will check on the issue. Sandra said that when she ran programs for UW, the parents had to sign a liability waiver, We will check these issues before we invite the Girl Scouts.

Opening day is March 26 and the plot list will go on the website. The porta potties have been ordered for Opening Day.

Garden Worker Report

Megan says we have another garden worker, Miles, now being hired. Jolene says it will take a while for him to be officially hired. Megan says she will do the tool inventory this spring.

Seed Fair

The seed fair is April 9th from 9:30 to 11:30 with the rain date April16th. We received about ¼ the donations as usual. Basic packets of 8 types have been made for each plot with a choice of two more packets of indoor or outdoor start seeds. The seed fair will be held outdoors in front of the Community Center. Flowers and gourds will be free. Row cover will be sold. The sign in table is first, then basic packs of 8, outdoor start, indoor start, row cover sales, garden information flower seeds and the Preserve table all along the sidewalk.

We need to think about the lower volume of seed donations. We could buy seed in bulk and have some seed saving projects too.

Plant Sales

Gardens to Be is available to have the plant sales this year. The proposed dates are April 23rd or 24th for the cool weather plants and May 21st or 22nd for the warm weather plants.

Other Items

Lily will ask Rhonda about the progress of the Long Range Plan. The 700’s wall is complete. The tree island at the end of the 600’s is a good place to have lunch and socialize. Jolene says it belongs to everyone. Maybe we can get another picnic table there. Could it be mowed regularly? Only after it was cleaned up. Megan will check it out. Perhaps we could share the workday with FH King.

The benches at University Houses will get refinished and we also need umbrellas for the tables.

Megan would like to replace a waterline this year. Jolene says that Will would like to help with the waterline.

Motion by Barb A and seconded by All

Adjourned at 7:43

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

February 2022

Eagle Heights Community Gardens

February 9, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Barb A, Ann, Barb L, Jolene, Jessica, Ric and Karen.

Jessica started the meeting.

Minutes Motion by Ann and seconded by Ric to approve the January 2022 minutes. The minutes were approved.


Registrar Update

Lily said she is busy processing applications. There are 350 renewals and 49 new applicants. Ten of the renewals are requesting a different plot. The deadline for renewal is February 15th. Lily has sent an email reminding gardeners of the deadline.

Gardens to Be is available to have the plant sales this year. The proposed dates are April 23rd or 24th for the cool weather plants and May 21st or 22nd for the warm weather plants. Two volunteers will be needed to help with each sale.

The seed sorting is done and the plan is to distribute seeds in packets outside the Community Center. There appear to be fewer seeds than previous years, so gardeners will probably get 12 packets per plot. The plan is to have a basic packet of seed and allow some choice of some of the seeds. The planned Seed Fair date was April 9th.

Lots of corn seed was donated and will be given to the Rooted garden group. Other seeds that won’t be used by the gardens will be donated to Lisa Johnson at UW Extension.

The 550 row at Eagle Heights has very confusing markings. Depending on renewals, Lily proposes to simplify some of the boundaries if the plots in question are vacant.

One of our gardeners would like us to send a message to our gardeners about the UW Arboretum Plant Sale. The committee thought it was a good idea, along with a note that the trees and shrubs would not be suitable for Eagle Heights or University Houses gardens.

Opening Day

Lily proposes March 26th for opening day, but will check with Megan before proceeding.

Garden Worker Report


There will be no report because Megan is on leave of absence.

Jessica reports that there is a potential garden worker candidate that the co-chairs are in contact with and will be speaking to next week. She will send the resume to the discussion list.

Other Items

Barb A asked about the priorities for the upcoming year. Discussion ensued. The new waterline was mentioned. Lily will ask Rhonda about the progress of the Long Range Plan. Jessica said the priorities could be an agenda item for the next meeting if the plan draft is ready.

Barb A is in the Master Gardener Program, which asks its participants to volunteer their gardening expertise in the community. She is the gardener for the Arbor Garden at Eagle Heights, which fulfills the volunteer requirement. If the Master Gardener works with children, then a background check is necessary. The rules have changed in the Master Gardener Program making the garden where the Master Gardener volunteers responsible for determining if a background check is necessary. The committee states that Barb Anderegg does not work with children when gardening in the Arbor Garden at Eagle Heights and does not need a background check.

Motion by Barb L and seconded by Barb A

Adjourned at 7:27 by Jessica

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

January 2022

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

January 12, 2022 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Ninja, Ann, Niels, Jolene, Jessica, Ric and Karen.

Jessica started the meeting.

Minutes Motion by Ric and seconded by Ann to approve the December 2021 minutes. The minutes were approved.

 

Registrar Update

Lily said she is busy processing applications. There are a couple of dozen new gardener applications along with renewing gardeners.

The University Houses F row is less hospitable and the plot turnover seems to be high. Lily is starting a plot history for both gardens. A high plot turnover can mean that something is wrong with the plot. Maybe some of the more problematic F row will not be assigned until later and only after the new gardener accepts a difficult plot.

Garden Worker Report

Jolene reports that Megan is taking a short leave of absence and will be back to work at the end of March. The tool order will be delayed. The UW Housing HR department has 88 vacancies now, including 2 from HR. Jolene reports that a Temporary Employee can be a direct hire and she recommends the direct hire method of hiring a garden worker this year.

Seed Fair

The donated seeds are being sorted and repackaged. The Community Center is reserved for April 9th for the Seed Fair, but we will know later if it will be held inside. Plans are being made to distribute seeds to gardeners inside or outside.

Other Items

It was suggested that seasoned gardeners be able to lead work days. Discussion ensued. This has already been happening and is a good idea.

There is some wild parsnip or poison hemlock someplace at University Houses that was discovered when doing plot remarking. It will need to be removed this spring with appropriate protection. A few of these plants have been removed from Eagle Heights. It causes a nasty rash that lasts several months.

More information is contained in the following links.

https://www.hennepin.us/-/media/hennepinus/your-government/get-involved/documents/WHEP-wild-parsnip.pdf

https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/weed-watch-wild-parsnip-and-poison-hemlock

Motion by Niels and seconded by Ric

Adjourned at 7:13 by Jessica

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

December 2021

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

December 8, 2021 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Ninja, Ann, Niels, Colleen, Megan, Jolene, Jessica, Ric, Barb A and Karen.

Jessica started the meeting.

Minutes Motion by Lily and seconded by Ric to approve the October 2021 minutes. The minutes were approved.


Registrar Update

Lily said the English and Spanish applications are ready. The Mandarin and Turkish applications will be ready soon. More row cover has been purchased for next year. We have received seed from Agway, E and R, Territorial and Baker Creek.

A suggestion was made about having a tool Maintenance jury to check through the tools and have them repaired.

A new organization has contacted us, the Gardens Network is interested in collaborating on workshops and sharing knowledge. They were thinking of having a panel in February to talk about growing vegetables. They are also connected to the Triangle Gardens, who have lost some of their plots due to construction. Lily told them that the gardeners who have lost plots are welcome to apply to Eagle Heights as Community Members.

Discussion ensued. If there is a Seed Fair, they could have a workshop then. If we can’t have a Seed Fair, we could have a Zoom workshop. When it is warmer, we could have an outside workshop. Demonstration is better if there are any language problems.

Hiring a Garden Worker

There was discussion of hiring more Garden Workers due to the problem of there being little work for the Garden Workers in the winter. Jolene said that at most the Garden Workers are working is 10 hours a week. Garden Workers are TE and can work 20 hours per week. There is not much structure for the garden workers. Discussion ensued about the supervision of garden workers. Tanya wants to continue mowing, which worked out very well last year. Andy has resigned so we need to replace him.

It would be better if the gardeners were more involved in the maintenance of the gardens. We haven’t had workdays because of Covid. Workdays do help gardeners feel more invested in the common areas of the garden.

When hiring a new garden worker, Megan stressed how important good communication between garden workers, the registrar and other people involved in the gardens is to doing a good job. Megan thought it was important to always have a Garden Worker available in the event of a problem at the gardens, like a water leak. Jolene encouraged us to have a better onboarding process for the new garden worker. The Garden Committee needs to discuss this issue.

Should there be priority tasks for the Garden Workers? Megan and Lily will talk about this and bring it back to the committee.

Doodle poll will not be used next year to schedule workdays after the problems this year.

Will still wants to do the new waterline next year.

Long Range Planning

The discussion of ongoing and long range goals lead to a discussion of the long range plan. Lily will ask Rhonda about the status of the plan.

Jolene suggested that now would be a good time to order tools and supplies. Megan said she would do it.

Motion by Barb A and seconded by Ann

Adjourned at 8:00 by Jessica

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

October 2021

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

October 13, 2021 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Ninja, Andy, Jolene, Jessica, Ric, Barb A and Karen.

Jessica started the meeting.

Minutes Motion by Lily and seconded by Ric to approve the September 2021 minutes. The minutes were approved.


Registrar Update

Lily said after discussion with Giesalla from the Preserve that wren houses will be allowed in the gardens. Wrens uses houses with a much smaller hole than sparrows. The preposed new rule is:

Birdhouses

Birdhouses are not permitted in plots unless they are wren houses. If you would like to have a wren house in your plot please contact the registrar. The Friends of the UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve provide copper plates with the correct entrance hole size for wrens to prevent house sparrows from enlarging the holes and invading the area. Lily proposes that a gardener interested in birds volunteer to help make sure the wern houses have the copper plates and won’t allow sparrows to nest in the garden. The committee agreed this was a good solution.

Water is still off at Eagle Heights garden. The UW Plumbers turned if off and were supposed to turn it on again. Lily has been contacting them, but does not have an answer yet.

2022 Application

The proposed changes to the 2022 Application were discussed. First the birdhouse rule discussed above.

Other additions are:

Plots rented after September 1st will be free.

Water lines are close to the surface, so never dig outside the plot boundaries.

The gardeners of each plot (including plots with fences) must maintain a six inch unplanted path or around the edge of the plot so that other gardeners can access water and plantings. The front border of your plot can go up to the path but no further.

The request to transfer may be granted if there is not a waiting list. Plots transferred without consulting the registrar may be confiscated. Subletting plots is not permitted. All rental agreements and fee collections must be with the Gardens by way of the registrar.

Gardeners who have not done a workday or paid the fee will not be allowed to renew their plot or apply for a different plot the following season until the no workday fee has been paid.

Perimeter fences must be wire and must not shade neighboring plots.

If you do not reply within ten days, you fail to remove the weeds within two weeks, or your garden is identified twice during the same year, your plot may be confiscated.

Political and/or unsolicited signs are not permitted in the gardens.

Gardeners who have not done a workday or paid the fee will not be allowed to renew their plot or apply for a different plot the following season until the no workday fee has been paid.

Lily said last year there was a Mandarin translation of the application. This year she also proposes adding on in Spanish and maybe Korean. Discussion ensued. It was suggested to ask the gardeners in the weekly Wednesday update note sent by the Registrar.

The Preserve has offered Buckthorn sticks for use in the gardens. The sticks are tall and straight. This prompted discussion about the difficulty of tall perimeter fences that shade neighboring plots. Someone asked if the sticks would sprout. The committee decided to not accept the sticks.

So far Baker Creek Seeds has responded to our request for seed donations. The proposed date for the Seed Fair is April 9, 2022.

Two umbrella were donated to the Eage Heights arbor area and are secure to the pinnic tables. After discussion the committee agreed that pinnic tables and umbrellas would be a good idea for University Houses too. The fabric part of the umbrella will have to be stored at the community center for the winter due to mice in both sheds.

Long Range Planning Committee

Lily attended the September 15th meeting and said the draft is not yet ready but contains a proiritized list for both University Houses and Eagle Heights. It will be finalized when Rhonda is back from vacation.

Garden Worker Report

Andy said the 700’s wall is close to being done. There is a workday tomorrow which should allow enough time to complete the last ten feet and clean up the debris. If there is any time left, the crew will start stacking the broken blocks to be removed. The committee said the wall looks beautiful. The other big project has been the thistle patrol, which has also been successful.

Other Items

There is a political sign near the Eagle Heights share shelf. Discussion ensued about the garden policy not allowing political signs.

Ninja says that Gemma requested for next spring that the University House blackberries be hard pruned and wood chips added by the weed pile.

Motion made by Karen and seconded by Barb A for the policy to be: The gardens are for community gardening. No posting of political or unsolicited signs.

Motion passed 6/1

Adjourned at 7:50 by Jessica

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee

September 2021

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

September 8, 2021 7 PM

Remote Meeting

7:00 Present: Lily, Ninja, Niels, Ann, Jolene, Jessica, Rosemary, Coleen, Barb L, Karen and Megan.

Jessica started the meeting.


Minutes Motion by Ann and seconded by Lily to approve the August 2021 minutes. The minutes were approved.

Registrar Update

Lily said there are a number of plots open and volunteers have been clearing the plots. Maps of the gardens have been updated. The workday thistle patrol has worked out well.

Plot 1301 was eliminated but needs to be reinstated. The boundaries need to be well marked to protect the nearby waterline.

Some gardeners have emailed concerning the pending no birdhouse policy. These gardeners have houses with small entrance holes that are used by wrens. Sparrows cannot fit into wren houses. We should speak to the Preserve about having wren houses.

Rhonda has 6 and 8 foot wooden benches to donate to the gardens. After discussion it was decided that both benches go to University Houses since there's not a need for them in the Arbor Garden.

Jessica says there have been some requests to get a smaller style of cart along with the larger ones. The larger carts are too big for some people to handle. Discussion ensued. The committee agreed and Rosemary volunteered to check out different cart styles including a muck bucket cart.

There was also discussion about replacing entirely or repairing a waterline. Discussion ensued. We have the parts to replace more water lines. Replacement of the lines is better than repairing an aging system.

Lily will provide an update of the long range planning group at the next meeting.

Garden Worker Report

Megan said there has been a northern and eastern border thistle patrol which has been making progress. Andy will start the 700 retaining wall next week. Andy and Niels fixed the share shelf at University Houses. There have been lots of water leaks.

The garden workers are trying to organize as many workdays on the weekends as possible.

Andy will be leaving his job in October. When should we hire another garden worker? After discussion, it was decided to post the position in December and interview candidate in Janurary. We will announce soon that we will be looking for a garden worker. Jolene said this is a second job and not a self-sustaining job. In the winter there are hardly any hours.

Coleen asked if it was possible to get at recycling bin at the gardens. Lily will check with UW Physical Plant to see if it is possible.

Motion by Lily and seconded by Niels to adjourn.

Adjourned at 7:45 by Jessica

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee