Minutes 7-12-07 Meeting

The garden club met in the Blocher Room at the Library on July 12^th, 2007.  Our treasurer, Deb Bauer gave the treasurer’s report, we had $2,838.33 in our account.  Danna Walters, president, read the minutes from our last meeting at Marsha Croner’s.

 Ryan Baker from Country View Greenhouse gave a power point presentation on new or unusual plants.  Almost all of them were perennials and as a shade garden owner, I was very surprised and pleased to discover so many shade loving plants.  In all Ryan talked about 118 plants.  I know I will be visiting him in the near future, great job Ryan!

 We discussed who is paying for the two pots the garden club purchased for Eel River Gardens.  Danna reported that we haven’t spent the $400 the town gives us each year for flowers and we will use those funds.  We need to pay Mary Ann Swihart for the actual pots and Manchester Greenhouse for the flowers, dirt and planting of the pots. 

 The gardens were mulched on June 23^rd and are looking very healthy.  We will have to water when needed but John Mugford will water every Friday.  The spigot does not have the lock on it so a combination is not needed to use the town water.  We discussed irrigation and applying for a grant for that purpose and putting money away for the future of our garden.

 Leesa Metzger, Mary Ann Swihart and Rhonda Swaidner are members of the committee for America in Bloom and reported on how the judges reacted to our town when they visited July 9^th & 10^th.  The judges made suggestions on improving the appeal of our town but seemed to be pleased with all we have accomplished.  Garden club members volunteered to help judge the America in Bloom contest for individual’s gardens that will take place the last week of July.  Presentation to the winners will be at the Fun Fest in August.

 We need as many garden clubers as possible to take up the bricks in Eel River Gardens on Thursday, July 19^th.  Leesa will then level the path and re-lay the old bricks along with the new ones that will be ordered.  We may also need to purchase new bricks to replace broken ones.

 We decided to bring any plants we wish to share with other members to the September meeting.  Please keep this in mind when dividing your plants or collecting seeds for next years planting.

 Our next meeting will be August 16^th at the Library.