Monthly Meeting Minutes
October 2006
Regular Monthly Meeting of Llano Master Gardeners
Thursday, October 19; 5:30 p.m.
Llano County Extension Office
9 members, 1 guest and county agent present
IdaNell Schuessler provided the Halloween decorated cookies and punch while the meeting was taking place.
County Agent Todd Swift began discussing the situation concerning the class of 2007. He informed the assembled that Burnet wanted to work with Lampasas and had worked with Llano in the past to have enough to make a class. He informed the group that multi-counties needed to join together to have a class in order to free up time of county agents.
Blanco, San Saba and Mason were considered to be part of the Llano group for classes. Todd Swift had spoken to the county agents of each of those counties and reported that San Saba had a strong garden club so he was not sure how many people would be interested in taking a class, the county agent of Mason said he would help with publicity but not sure how many people would travel to Llano for a class, and Blanco felt it was a little far to drive. The group was informed that 20-30 people were needed to form a class but 7 had already signed up for the next class. Mr. Swift informed the group it was not too early to get the word out about the class. It was suggested by several members that a meeting be formed (a Lunch and Learn sort of meeting) where some members of the Llano Master Gardeners meet with the prospective students, tell what the money is used for and what they get for their money. The question was then asked if Llano wanted to take on the project of presenting the class, locating the speakers, providing the refreshments, etc. It was agreed that it would be a lot of work but it would be worth the effort. It was suggested that people who graduated in 2006 be on the committee for their input on speakers and field trips.
President Sandy Shaw said she would form a committee to explore possibility of a joint county Master Gardener Program and help develop the program.
The meeting then moved to the subject of the Main Street Association’s Pocket Park between the museum and a small antique shop just north of the bridge. Todd Swift reported he had met with Mike Reagor and was told there would be $2,000 available for plants, hardscape and much. Todd Swift showed a PowerPoint presentation of the planned park as it stands at this time. There were several suggestions made by the group concerning the trees and types of plants. The park is 20 feet wide at the street and will have a four foot side walk meandering from the west to the east. The soil will need amending and there was some discussion who will pay for the amendments as well as if water would be available and who will pay for that monthly bill. There is a rock wall planned for the east end (street side) and there was some discussion as to who would lay the stone. The Master Gardeners felt they were horticulturists and not stone masons. Another concern was who would build the arbor or what kind of arbor to use at the entrance of the park on the street end. It was stated that the park would have to be done in stages and it would be kept simple. If someone wanted a schematic of the park, they could pick one up at the extension office.
The meeting then moved to the minutes and treasurer’s report. The minutes can be read online and Dwight Bonner gave the treasure’s report stating there was $1394.60 in the bank.
Saturday, October 21, Llano celebrated Heritage Day and Llano Master Gardeners will have a booth. Patty Rowl loaned the group a pop-up for the booth. Friday, October 20, the president, Sandy Shaw, would be going to Georgetown to pick up the plants that will be sold at the booth. Anyone wanting to help work the booth Saturday was encouraged to show up at the booth, which would be between the courthouse and the monument on the southeast corner. Sandy also asked the group to bring boxes, flats or bags for the customers to carry their plants home.
According to the bylaws, a slate of officers shall be presented in October to be voted on in November. The slate of officers presented was as follows: President, Sandy Shaw, Vice President, Julie Woodall, Secretary, Lillie Baker, Treasurer, Dwight Bonner, Program Chair, Audrey Millen and the Publicity Chair, Norm Millen.
The group was reminded that November 11 from 9-11, Mary White would give a “hands-on” class on plant propagation at Cherokee Valley Farms. She can take only 10 people in the class, so reservations are required.
Also, the group was reminded that the regular meeting, November 16 would be at Eva Whipple’s house with a demonstration on the control of Oak Wilt.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. after Nancy Vollmar offered those interested that bat manure was available and everyone was welcome to take some home.
Respectfully submitted by;
Lillie Baker, Secretary
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