Monthly Meeting Minutes
August 2006
Regular Monthly Meeting of Llano Master Gardeners
Thursday, September 20; 5:30 p.m.
Llano County Extension Office
15 members, 2 guests
Jeff Durst, presenter
The meeting began with cookies provided by Gail Johnson and lemonade provided by Lillie Baker being enjoyed by members as they entered. The new t-shirts were available and members picked up and paid for their new putty colored t-shirts with the Master Garden logo on the front.
Then the president, Sandy Shaw, introduced the guest speaker, Jeff Durst, from The Green House in Mason. He spoke on the future of gardening and the reasons it is so important to have a home garden. He pointed out a direct link between food and health using the statistics that since 1960 there has been a decline in home production and nutrient value of produce. The USDA grades produce on yield, color and size but not the nutritional value of the produce. He emphasized the link between soil, crops and meat we eat. One of the facts he gave was the British spend half as much on fresh products as the US and are twice as healthy. He informed the group that Whole Foods was offering $5,000,000 in grants to people in the Hill Country to help them get established in organic production. Whole Foods has such a demand for fresh, organically grown produce that they are willing to help get the fields established. He also talked about antique tomatoes that grew well in this area and showed some devices available to gardeners for testing their produce. The group found him very informative.
Lillie Baker was asked about the minutes and she informed the group they could be read on the County Agent web site under “Publications.” (http://llano-tx.tamu.edu)
Then a Treasurers report was given by Sandy Shaw in Dwight Bonner’s absence. The group received $132.50 from Burnet for the class of 2006, leaving the balance at $1293.10.
Sandy Shaw informed the group that she, Julie Woodall and Elaine McCall met at the Red Top (Old Jail) to plan the needs. They decided the beds need turning, and amending before planting. There could be a problem with not any water available outside the jail. Also it was decided the cost of the plants could be paid for by the LMGers.
Then Pocket Park was discussed. A drawing of the plan for planting was shared with the group. The sidewalk, irrigation system and drainage will be paid for. The LMG may have to pay for the plants. The project is a slow moving project because it has to be drawn up and presented to the committee in charge. The actual work will not begin until 2007.
Sandy Shaw again made a plea for a Publicity Chair. No one volunteered.
The president reminded the gathered about the Extension Banquet on August 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the American Legion Hall. She asked for volunteers to help decorate the tables that morning. Julie Woodall volunteered. A short discussion was held about how to decorate without expense.
Sandy Shaw informed the group about Heritage Festival on October 21. The Llano Master Gardeners will have a booth and sell herbs and give garden advice.
People were reminded to report their hours to Lillie Baker as well as any news articles they would like to put in the e-newsletter. The members were asked if they were all getting e-mails from the secretary and the president.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by;
Lillie Baker, Secretary
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