Meeting Notes 2010

Meeting Notes 2010

MEETING NOTES FROM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2010

Attendance: Maryanne, Charlett , Nasima, Frederic, Joe , Corinna, Jennifer, Asami , Ara, Lesa, Pamela (notes)

COVERING OPEN HOURS:

Manu: Since not enough members to do work. New members ought to have first year without obligations. Long time members should do all work. This is based on a monastery model with initiates and an abbot. Pam recapped what Manu had said when he came early and had to leave to fix a friend’s sink in Brooklyn.

Maryanne: Older members are the ones who are slacking off. It was pointed out that in an email, Tracy said that she and Justin were fired up to do a lot of work, and became aware that most members were not doing much work , so they pulled back.

Possible reasons: Many members gone in summer. Lesa suggests that more people have to work more given the faltering economy.

Fact: In most volunteer organizations about 10-15% of the people do 90% of the work. What can we do to increase involvement?

Fred suggests that maybe a year of acclamation not bad. Ara, Lesa, Pam: Orientation and older members mentoring new members.

Maryanne suggests that people should not have to make commitment for whole season at first meeting. Perhaps the season could be broken up into two months at a time.

Some believe that it seemed to work better when people took the whole day. It has been much more difficult for people to remember since we started dividing up days.

Corinna said that the e-mails are working for now, and that people should find partners, split days with a friend and stay in touch with them.

Whether half or full day, there should always be two people.

GARDEN HISTORY DAY AND MEMBER ORIENTATION.

Pam suggests a garden history day and orientation for members sometime this fall. We have ice cream coming from Veselka that we did not use at Band Concert-Ice Cream Social. Yes, it will be fresh ice cream. We tentatively agreed that Garden History and orientation should be October 3^rd. Talked about film, but would be easier and probably more people would attend if it were to be directly after the meeting.

PLOTS:

Plot rules are posted on Green Oasis Web Page www.greenoasisgarden.net. No pet cremains are to be buried in plots. Designated pet burial area in small triangle where bird bath is?

A member has received final warning notice for her plot. Issue was not settled at meeting.

We need to have garden walk arounds every couple of months not only to check plots, but to check on general upkeep.

Query: Why would anyone who cannot care for their plot want one?

Why would anyone who is gone all summer want one? Corinna responded to the second question by saying that she and her kids love to plant in springtime and harvest in fall.

COMMUNAL PLOTS:
Some comment that the communal plots were not well enough planned or kept up. Frederic says there is a learning curve, and we should allow ourselves that learning curve for this year.

Need more general communication. That means people must make an effort to ask questions and give answers. Please attend meetings.

For next year: more serious planning for the planting and care of communal areas. We need to purchase of climbing poles for tomatoes in bulk. More space around plantings to tend plants properly is also needed.

TREE GUARDS:
8^th Street Tree Guards must be redone with more substantial lumber. Lesa says on 4^th street there are some made of stones & bent willow branches. Maryanne says the ones by the church across the street are good. Jennifer says that people always walk on the garden side and it gets rougher use. People should bring pictures of other tree guards and ideas for the ones we are going to build. There is still some wood in the shed. We also need people to head up this project. Please volunteer.

NEW CHALKBOARD SIGN:
Brought in one new member! Can someone please bring in chalk and eraser? Change sign to fit day. PLEASE take the board to the shed after bringing in. Jennifer shared that some neighbors complained when sign was left facing fence saying “open today” when garden was not open. Also, sign will last much longer if not left out in the rain/snow!

Maryanne now has contacts at the Department of Sanitation. She also said the Sanitation people think we can put out our garbage for pick-up with the general pick up for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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MINUTES, GREEN OASIS GARDEN MEETING: AUGUST 15^TH, 2010

THESE MINUTES SENT SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. REASON: NO MEETING OVER LABOR DAY.

Sign-in sheet misplaced. (ergo, no attendance sheet.) Jan chaired.

City Proposes to loosen protection of Gardens: Dena and Mercedes attended City Hall gathering of NYC Gardeners protesting proposed changes to protection of City Gardens. Namita Luthra attended meeting at Chelsea Center and spoke in favor of The Gardens. Thanks for attending these meetings.

Sidewalk Sign: Sarah purchased sign for sidewalk in front of garden. Yuri, who joined, said that the sign brought him into the garden. Sign will be kept in Gazebo OR SHED. Please put it out when you are in the garden, and write on it! Gate must be open when gardeners are in garden, as well as during open hours.

Bees: Jan reports that the early and continued heat threw the growing cycle off, and that we probably would not have as much honey to harvest as we did last year. We do have the second honey harvest from last year - yet to be processed. Adam is building new frames (uppers) for hives. We will repaint hives next year. If there is a problem with the bees or hives, please contact Jan.

Compost: Since no one has bothered to learn how to, or does care for the compost, we are NO LONGER ACCEPTING KITCHEN SCRAPS AT THIS TIME. Jim seems to be the only garden member composting, and has grown discouraged with the fact that no one else is taking care of the compost. If people wish to bring compost, they need to be involved. Meanwhile: The Lower East Side Ecology Center - Seventh Street between Avenues B and C accepts compost. You may drop off your kitchen scraps there on Sundays.

Signs: If anyone wishes to draw attention to something in the garden...Make a Sign! Perhaps it is time for more “formal” signage to be designed and installed? Jan will work on historical information to be posted around garden. We will also try to post more relevant day-to-day information.

Farming Concrete: Though this is old information...SORRY TO POST THIS SO LATE: please help keep track of all produce picked in Garden. keep the log/list in the shed..straight ahead as you enter. Weigh and enter type of produce, how many and what the weight is. Keeping track of the produce is helpful in the effort to bring 'sustainable gardening' to public view. It's another way to show that gardens are helpful and viable in the city.

Hose and Water access: Jim has expanded access to hoses for watering. It is no longer necessary to drag hoses around. Do not remove end parts of hoses...

Amplify: Maryanne reported on the "Amplify" show put on at the Henry Street Settlement. The New School did a study of "Creative Communities," which was an effort to look at how groups of people function in our changing society. They looked at gardens, the elderly, and a couple of other groups.

Maryanne was drawn in both through the building at 368, which is a close-knit cooperative, and through the garden. Pam was drawn in because of the garden. They made a display which replicated many areas of the garden;(Bees, Koi, Compost, communal plots(tomatoes) and it was great fun. They returned a few weeks after the opening, at Maryanne's suggestion, and 'freshened' it up. The other displays had not been watered and were tragically withered and almost dead. Due to the fact that we had merely pulled up some ivy, our lovely milk crate still looked o.k. The tomatoes were not even rotten (magic of the Green Oasis?) We stuck a sunflower in, re-arranged it, washed the 'koi pond' and left feeling pretty good.

Plots: There was a 'walk around' after the meeting to look at the plots. The plots were also going to be checked for care and upkeep. Plots which have been chronically neglected were going to be looked at to see if upkeep had been improved. Lesa will issue warnings if necessary.

Milkweed and Monarchs: Monarch Butterflies, an endangered species, need milkweed, so we are going to keep the milkweed.

Coverage: We need to overcome the lack of coverage of the garden during weekend open hours, especially since the gardens MUST maintain 20 hrs. per week open hours.

Jan will work on historical information to be posted around garden. We will also try to post more relevant day-to-day information

Garden History Day? October 3^rd? TBD.

Next Meeting Sunday, September 12th.
Any additions or corrections?
Pam

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Green Oasis Meeting Notes 8-1-10

Attended: Pam, Manu, Anna, Sarah, Maryanne, Ara, Beverley, Namita, Corinna, Charlett, Susie, Jan, Louis, Dena

Discussion:

NYC Garden Coalition Meeting Update: At least five GO members attended the 7-24 update meeting held at De Colores garden; copies of some of the documentation were distributed by Dena and Louis. (More copies are available in the gazebo, including a flyer from Time’s Up and talking points from NYC CGC). There will be press conferences at City Hall on Monday ( 8/2 a.m. by Time’s Up) and possibly Wednesday (8/4 a.m. by CGC) in case anyone would like to attend. The deadline to sign up to speak at the 8/10 hearing is 8/9. A group of GO gardeners are drafting a GO letter/petition and many are planning to attend. Testimony from the greater community is vital: If there are local business or community leaders who can be persuaded to attend and/or write letters, please encourage them to do so.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.nyccgc.org/history/index.html.

The original NYC.gov link (including link to PDF of original 2002 agreement):

http://home.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.b270a4a1d51bb3017bce0ed101c789a0/index.jsp?pageID=nyc_blue_room&catID=1194&doc_name=%2Fhtml%2Fom%2Fhtml%2F2002b%2Fpr247-02.html&cc=unused1953&rc=1194&ndi=1

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The (recurring) discussion about encouraging new membership followed this discussion, and several members suggested that a few small things could go a long way toward encouraging visitors.

Sarah is going to purchase a sandwich board (chalk board) for members to place on the sidewalk during open hours. Corinna suggested making small signs that would remind visitors of garden rules.

More outreach is needed to continue to encourage community groups that work with children (in particular) to make use of the garden facilities. Beverley reported that a watercolor instructor from Educational Alliance is interested in holding class in the garden.

In addition to this week’s Villager article that discusses Green Oasis (link: http://www.eastvillagernews.com/) the garden was mentioned in a German magazine. Green Oasis is also part of a global “Geocache” project which is bringing tourists to the garden.

There was a discussion about creating a postcard that would feature the garden’s autumn events (fall festival/pumpkin carving + trick or treat/lantern festival) in order to further getting the word out.

There was a discussion about ½ versus whole days as well as about people signing up and not coming in for open hours. What types of reminder mechanisms to be employed – there will be email updates via the list serv, but should there also be phone calls? There are still four ½ days to be covered for the month of August (please stay tuned for a list serv update about this topic.)

Open hours to be posted on the fence.

There was (another) discussion about unattended open hours, but it was reiterated that between the pond and the bees, GO/G has a responsibility for all open hours to be attended by members.

There was a discussion about feeding the fish while some regular “feeders” are on vacation.

There was a discussion about changing the front lock since this year’s lock has been particularly difficult to open for many members. A lock change may be in the works for September; meantime, please use the side “combo” locks instead.

Common area perennial planting and working toward a more sustainable landscaped environment was discussed. Corinna and Sarah have committed to begin under the birch trees. Weeds are an ongoing concern. A discussion about removing two plots to make another common area near the shed was begun (no decision was made yet.)

Maryanne attended the “rat prevention” meeting – new rat traps have been deployed (this is a city mandated issue.) There are flyers in English and Spanish that outline best practices; Maryanne reported that GO is in good compliance and that rats are really not an issue in the garden.

The Henry Street reception is this Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Ara is leading the effort to decorate a GO box. If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact her.

There was a discussion of creating a path / patio to extend beyond the current main patio. Several members will look into finding free bricks (Freecycle and Craigslist are just two places to look.)

There was a hive inspection on Sunday 8/1 (10 a.m.) Jan reports that this year’s early heat will be a factor in reduced honey production, but that there will be one harvest this year, most likely in late September. One of the four hives had to be replaced entirely this year; it is weaker than the others, but coming along.

Maryanne will call and arrange for pickup of the garden’s trash that must be disposed of this week. Stay tuned – if the trash must be moved to the curb, members will be notified by email about a day/time.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

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GO meeting notes 7-11-10

Attended: Ninette, Maryanne, Pam, Sarah, Ben, Laura, Jim, Elizabeth, Ricard, Charlett, Jenifer, Mercedes, Louis, Dena

Discussion:

Pond: Jim reported: the Pond Subcommittee moved rocks, searched for holes; they will need three repair kits to patch the leaks. The western curve was reinforced. They will use fill and replace rocks afterward, then planting can begin. Invasive bamboo is to blame for holes in liner. Pam bought several water lilies for the effort.

Creative Communities: A diorama is being planned for display at CC (Grand St) for an August exhibit on community gardens. A milk crate sized diorama will have to be constructed in the near future. Pam suggested using garden photos on dowels. All are welcome to help construct this – ideas welcome and work to begin this Sunday (7-25) during garden clean up day…

Garden Clean Up Day: All agree that all members are needed to help clean up/rid the garden of broken toys, trash, plastics, broken furniture, etc. and are reminded not to haul items into the garden. (Start time 11 a.m.)

Dirt Pile: Most will be used for pond reconstruction, but other dirt should be moved around the garden to clear the pile.

Common Areas: A member suggested planting clover (on Gilbert’s side) rather than grass next season. More members are needed to re-invigorate the Common Area Committee. Another member suggested the possible use of gravel for some areas that do not have grass, clover, etc. Any thoughts?

Weeding around Plots, in Paths, etc.: A member offered a reminder to keep weeding through this heavy mosquito season (they love to breed in weeds!) Another reminder to turn containers upside down so that water does not collect; and if flowered, weeds should be “de-seeded” before composting. (Toss the seeds, compost the weeds!)

Watering: A suggestion was made that some NYers are watering on odd/even days (i.e. 8^th Street would be even days, Tues/Thurs/Sat). Early a.m. or p.m. watering is better (watering in mid-day is futile). Rates are going up. Just five gallons will keep a 4’ x 8’ plot going for up to five days… water to depth of roots for trees and bushes.

Hoses: Jim has installed three spring operated hose extension valves (one on either side of the pond for “wand” hose extensions and another near the shed). There are also seven more “T” connections. There is a fifty-foot green coil hose that will fit on to this apparatus as well as a red hose with a spray nozzle (kind of like a shower head.) Several members have already learned how to operate these hoses and should share this info. When other members are present, please discuss watering and remember to place the spray nozzle down gently – if dropped it will break. Thanks.

Mulberry Tree Issue: Some members would like Shaun Spencer (Green Thumb arborist) to visit the garden and offer advice. Others suggest netting the trees. Several members are looking into the issue. Several other members are concerned about legal issues surrounding branches/slip and fall injuries, etc… If anyone has the PDF version of the city’s Tree Protocol, please post on list serv. Thanks.

Here’s one solution:

http://www.allaboutstuff.com/Garden_Tips/Mulberries_02.asp

Per centuries of Italian farming lore, the easiest way to collect mulberries is to place a sheet under tree (on ground) and gently shake tree branches – the ripe berries will fall, others will stay on tree…

(Per Netting: Dena sought a PA farmer’s advice; she said on her farm, netting was too big a job for such large trees –birds eat their mulberries...)

Sorry for delay in getting notes out. If anyone has additions, please send them in.

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Meeting Notes from June 20th 2010

Members in Attendance:

Sarah, Maryanne, Jim, Mercedes, Nasima, Justin, Beverly, Jennifer, Tim , Asami, Ara , Susie Walter, Lesa, Pamela.

WORK ON 368: Tim informed us that there would be ongoing work on the Garden Side of 368 East 8th Street. The brick is being pointed up. There may or may not be scaffolding, but garden members need to be cognizant as they walk near or under the workers. Start time is 7 A.M.

TREE FENCES: The tree fences, as installed, do not seem to be sturdy enough. One was already broken.They will be made more substantial. More uprights, and stronger cross pieces. Jan not yet in attendance. Justin had some ideas. We will revisit this matter.

PATHS, RETAINING WALL: Justin will fix paths going through copse near corkscrew willow.

SANDBOX, SAND: It was suggested that the sand from the sand box might be used to lay in beneath stones on paths. After the removal of the sand from the sandbox, Jennifer will order new 'purified' sand to refill sandbox.

MULBERRY TREE: Man from 390 complained about mulberries on sidewalk.

Problematical. Suggestions:

1) Weekly cleanup. This is ongoing. So far cleanup has been done by Maryanne,Sarah ("a soul- crushing, back-breaking task"), Pam, Fredrick and unknown others. Berries must be swept up and put on compost. If they are swept into street, they molder in large puddle and smell terrible. Puddle needs to be taken care of somehow.

2) Signage. Sarah volunteers to make sign to post on fence.

3) Jim suggests tarp or net to direct berries into garden.

4) Pruning offending branch in the fall is suggested.

KEEPING YOUR HOURS: Many people are not showing up for open hours. This will go against the garden if Green Thumb checks and we are not open during posted OPEN HOURS. It was suggested that adults on honor system need to be responsible for the hours they self-schedule. Sarah will attempt to create system on listserv to remind people of their hours.

NOZZLE, HOSES: Jim asks that nozzle be left on hose, or at least replaced if removed. He is going to reconfigure the hose system, making hoses accessible to all areas of garden.

RAISED BEDS: We had discussed removing raised bed on East Side of Garden, but Jim suggested using it for a burial method of composting.

CATS IN SHED: Please be sure not to leave shed door open at any time. A cat was trapped in the shed for 2 days. Check before you close shed and lock up.

The meeting was closed by the singing of "Watching all the Flowers Grow - Pink and Red and Yellow." Randolph Baggit, a passerby, stopped to complain that someone was singing off tune. We promised to perform a larynxectomy on the dissonant off-key wanker. Just wanted to see if you were still paying attention.

Any additions or corrections?

Pam

Recent items of interest:

These items have been posted, but are updated here.

NY Times East Village Blog: On July 1st, a few garden members showed up to meet with 2 Summer Interns working for the New York Times. A New York Times East Village Blog is premiering in August and the interns are gathering material. There will be an audio tape of the interview(s) accompanied by a slide show.

Creative Communities: The Green Oasis has been invited to take part in a multi-garden exhibit scheduled at the Abrons Art Gallery at Henry Street Settlement. We will be provided with some materials. We're waiting to find out more.

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MEETING NOTES JUNE 6 2010.

Members in attendance: (in sign-in order) Justin Lilly, Maryanne, Tim Murphy, Susie Walter, Ken Ecker, Tracy Hinds, Ava Ryan, Elizabeth Herring, Nasima Karim, J. Fealy, Jan Werner, Asami, Dianna, Sarah, Pam, Jared Goldstein.

Ava Ryan, from a local organization called "Farming Concrete," was kind enough to repeat her reason for being at that meeting several times as members slowly arrived..to wit: Farming Concrete's mission is to work with "Just Food," and several other groups who are promoting the agricultural aspects of NYC Gardens. They wish to have us weigh all the produce we raise in the garden this year. That includes the communal plots. We said that we would be interested. So, sometime in the next few weeks, she will drop off a scale, and a record-keeping system.

Felix, who we later figured out was the late Amy Waldman's husband,-the crepe myrtle on the west side of the garden was planted in Amy's memory- asked permission to have a graduation party for his daughter Maya. Permission granted.

Tim asked that someone take over events management for the months of July and August. Maryanne volunteered, and Jan will be back-up.

Jim is actively moving compost pile to East Side. He has clearly delineated where to place new compost.

Jan is interested in having chickens in garden. She is going to a workshop on Sunday, June 20th. She also went to Green Thumb Materials Pick-up and brought back some gloves and other implements.

This day was a Work Day, and our mandate was to clear cobblestones from tree pits, install tree guards, add soil which was augmented from compost, and plant impatiens & dusty miller in the tree beds. Jan had gone to a materials recycling place to pick up the wood (total cost ca. $35.00), and laboriously cut the wood for the tree pits. We seasoned the wood with linseed oil, hauled, banged, dug, planted and ended up with guards for and plants in some of the garden's tree beds- plus Jared purchased plants from the garden for the tree in front of 368. Thanks to all who showed up to do the work, and especially to you, Jan.

END OF MEETING.

Someone from the Citizen's Committee, the funder of this project, showed up and took pictures of our efforts. We later received notice that we had fulfilled the requirements of the grant. Wahoo. Jan, Joanna, Maryanne and I attended workshops on tree guard building.

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Meeting Notes Sunday May 16, 2010

Most of this section is old news. but for you who have not been to these meetings, it is a chance to catch up.

WEEDS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Pointed grass with tiny blue flower. Lots and lots of it. Grows very close together. And plants with a white-edged leaf . This plant sends out rhizomes, so you need to sift through the earth nearby to make sure you pull them as well. (Rhizomes are like thin green fingers that shoot out and anchor themselves to create new plants.)

Maryanne suggested, and we discussed, dismantling the raised beds on the East Side of the garden. No conclusive decision.

Maryanne is going to build a mound on the West side of the garden.in clover area. Started. Wow! With help from a friendly passer-by, she must have hauled a dozen wheelbarrow loads.

Anna states that she is discouraged by trampling of rock garden, which is to the East of the gate. She was thinking to discontinue it, but with encouragement of other members, decided to create a protective barrier to protect it. Later that day, as I dug up cobblestones from tree bed directly in front of garden and put them inside the gate, the barrier was begun.

It was decided to put pieces of wood in communal garden areas to use as pathway. Jim might saw them.

Members mention that they do not know who to talk to who for plot info. Lesa Westerman is the 'Plot Lady,' and her email is lesa_westerman@yahoo.com

Compost area does not need to be in sun, Jim says. So it is being moved to the shady area in the northeast of the garden. In progress. The area where the compost has been is very sunny, and can be utilized in other ways. Now in progress.

Kids area is being adjusted. Since kids do not confine their activities to that area, it was decided that it would not be too devastating to them.

Discussion ensued regarding moving either the burning bush or bottle brush on the west side of the garden, as they are crowded.No definite decision.

We voted to have a manual water timer so water is not wasted. We now have to pay 368 for water, and paid over $1,000. last year. Everyone needs to be aware of water conservation, and to enlighten their children.

Mercedes suggested a sunrise meditation class. We discussed payment. Since the garden is city-owned, no one may profit from classes, etc. if there is any monetary transaction, it must take place somewhere else.

FUNDRAISERS NECCESSARY, AS COSTS OF RUNNING THE GARDEN ARE INCREASING. Anyone interested? Any more painless ideas? Anyone have access to organizations or people who might like to donate lots of moolah? Some Corporations have programs to donate funds through employees.

Jan mentions materials pick up day on June 5th at Green Thumb Warehouse.

Richard requested permission to hang hammock. He will set it up and take it down on same day.

End of meeting. notes posted way too late. mea culpa. Pam

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Green Oasis Meeting Minutes 5/2/10

Attendance: Tim, Kimberly, Nasima, Tessa, Ninette, Charlett, Marlene, Kim, Beverley, Laura, Ben, Corinna, Stuart, Jennifer, Maryanne, Joanna, Brigitte, Sarah, Jan, Manu, Pam, Asami, Louis, Dena

Issues:

“Who Owns the Garden?” There was a very long and spirited discussion about the issue of who owns the garden. Per the garden’s mission statement, which dates to 1981, the garden is charged with promoting the arts and providing safe space/activities for children. Manu raised the issue of whether we are doing enough outreach to the larger community. This segued into a lengthy discussion about parties, noise complaints and members who abuse their privileges.

Much discussion centered on two recent parties (one for adults, one for

children) both of which created a great deal of noise and in one case, members had to intervene with hosts regarding lateness of the hour and noise. Other neighbors (non-members) raised noise complaints to GO members who live within several adjoining building; it was reported that this creates friction and discord within buildings and makes members uncomfortable.

Other members reported feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome when visiting the garden during events while still others reported friction between non-member guests when those guests were asked to better supervise their children and/or when members suggested that these children abide by garden rules.

The issue of post-party clean-up is an ongoing issue. The general consensus was that enforcement is part of the issue (whether self-enforcement by host members.

VOTES

Finally, it was agreed and voted upon that members who are planning events must provide a check in the amount of $100.00 as a deposit prior to any scheduled event.

The non-member event deposit of $100 cash policy remains in effect.

It was agreed and voted upon that there shall be no limit to the number of small, informal gatherings whether on weekends or weekdays (by small gatherings it means fewer than 12 persons, not planned.)

It was agreed and voted upon that the number of scheduled events on Friday/Saturday/Sunday shall be limited to two (2) per weekend period. Such parties shall not exceed four (4) hours each. After this vote, it was agreed and voted upon that time slots be initiated (such as 11 am – 3 pm and 4 pm-8 pm), thereby allowing up to four (4) events per three-day weekend.

Quiet enjoyment and common sense must prevail all the time, but in particular after 7 p.m. as amplified music, etc. are disturbing the Garden’s neighbors. Small groups may gather in the garden after 7 p.m. but large groups (greater than 12 people) must disperse by sundown.

Private events may not be scheduled on national holidays – this is a new policy that will go into effect as of 6/1/10. Note that previously scheduled events for this Memorial Day will go on as planned. The garden is open to all for potlucks, etc. on national holidays (such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, etc.)

Private events may not overlap with scheduled work days or other garden annual events (such as Summer Solstice, Fall Festival, Lantern Festival, Pumpkin Carving/Trick or Treat, etc.) Check with Tim, event scheduling coordinator.

As to the issue of outreach, many shared opinions. Some feel that GO’s public events (such as the one on 5/2) bring new people to the garden; others suggested that we must reach out to more community organizations to offer “free keys” (such as to the local Senior Center, school groups, etc.) Some schoolchildren will be visiting the garden next week and some members would like to reach out to even more local schools, etc. to organize small workshops. As always, artists from the community who have a plan (and funding) are welcome to hold schedule art, music, learning, etc. workshops in the garden.

All updated rules will be placed on the website when finalized. Current membership rules can be found at www.greenoasisgarden.net.

Soil Delivery: A group of volunteers will meet to take delivery of a large batch of soil. Update: it’s here.

“Love your block” grant: A workday will be held on June 6th in order to build tree boxes and plant flowers on 8th Street. A potluck bbq will also be held that day after the work is complete.

Rat Poison: The city sent workers to notify the garden that rat traps will be delivered in a few days. This is city sanitation policy and the garden is to abide by it according to the workers who visited the garden.

Pruning: Must be a group effort; do not prune before asking Dianna/common area pruners.

Rock Garden, Herb Garden: Existing herb garden will be moved to a sunnier locale (perhaps where fence between gardens once stood); community vegetable garden may stay where it was in 2009; rock garden at entrance (east side) is being maintained by Anna. If in doubt, please check with the common area committee. Heirloom tomato plants have arrived; if you ordered some, please check with Jan.

There are leftover plants from the plant sale – can be planted in common areas. If you’d like to buy plants for your plot, please put $$ in the box in the gazebo (this is on the honor system.)

Grants: Anyone with grant writing experience is encouraged to help with grant writing for projects for 2010 and beyond.

Garden Open Hours Sign Up: Many dates are still “open” – if you have not signed up, please do so. Check calendar in gazebo.

Meeting began at 11 a.m. and adjourned at 1 p.m.

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NOTES FROM PLANNING MEETING OF MARCH 14TH 2010

ATTENDEES: Byington Daniels Ecker Emmanuel Fealy Houghton Ivy Karim Lerner Lipsky Love Lowing Murphy (2) Pier Sassonian Walker Werner

Green Thumb Grow-Together Volunteers: Maryanne Byington, Ken Ecker, Joanna Murphy, Pam Pier. All went up to Hostos Community College in the Bronx, and attended Workshops. Reports to come at next meeting.

Flower and Veg meeting March 22, 9 AM. Jan will log in with further info.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

o April 11th. workday (only)

o April 18th - workday and key meeting. Be prepared to sit through meeting before dues are paid and keys given out.

o May 1 -- MAYDAY! Band Concert and Ice Cream Social including pot luck and......

o Sometime Soon...Love Your Block Tree Guard and Tree Stewardship Project, which will include Building Tree Guards and Planting around Street Trees on Block. We have requested enough lumber to build 8 to 10 tree guards. We want to enlist block residents in this project, so please chat it up.

We will put the dates in for the following Garden Events and Celebrations as soon as Beverley brings the Big Calendar from Staples....and put them on your calendars too.

Mayday Saturday, May 1st.

Summer Solstice, June 20th

Fourth of July Picnic - Sunday, July 4th

Pumpkin Carving - Sunday, October 24th

Lantern Festival - Sunday, November 7th

Other Business:

It has been suggested that the tree stumps might be made into Art. Tim will attempt to find out if this is going to happen within the next couple of weeks.

Pam will attempt to get soil. If we cannot get it gratis from Green Thumb, we will purchase a truckload of 1/2 compost, 1/2 arable soil.

Water bill now rising. It was suggested that we have automatic shut-offs and work hard to avoid waste. We may place a valve inside the fence at 368. New Hoses that go directly to places where water is needed. No more free form recreational water play..

It was again suggested that we form committees to work more strategically: loosely organized into

STRUCTURES

Koi Pond (needs serious leveling and landscaping)

Gazebo (roof is a mess)

Benches and Grape Trellises

All other Benches

Shed

Patio/Barbeque

Paths need sorting out, esp. entry path going to Gazebo

GARDENING

Weeding Everywhere

Common Areas

Herb Garden

Willow Tree Area

Pruning --Trees in General - Part of Love Your Block Project(?)

Plots

EVENTS, OUTREACH

Fundraising

Keeper of Events Calendar i.e, contact person when Tim is gone.

Public Relations

Reaching out to Organizations, other Gardens.

BOOKKEEPING, PAPER WORK

Taking Notes at Meetings, Putting on Listserv

Help with Dues, and Donations, and Donations from people having events.

Many people spontaneously showed up and did lots of work this past weekend!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez

Pam

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Green Oasis Community Garden & Gilbert's Sculpture Garden