NOTICES AND CALENDAR

THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED OUR FIRST 2009 GARDEN MEETING!!

Tyler did a swell job in his new roll as garden liaison, stepping up and running the show -- and we had record turnout attendance for a garden meeting, even in the drizzly weather!

Here are the notes from the meeting:

First we had introductions. In attendance (please email Zoe if anybody is not accounted for on this list): Tyler, Zoe, Betsey, Chelsea, Susan, Brandon, JoAnne, Sylvia, Russell, Julie, Gino/Jeanie, Lynn, Cynthia, Chris, Leanne, Alan, Nancy, Kelly, Daisy, Robert/Carolyn.

Tyler mentioned that nine of the gardeners were still active from back in the old-days at our 2000 meeting.

We are going to aim for quarterly meetings in the future.

Discussion of some general reminders/rules:

• Organic-only gardening, and no pilfering from each other's plots/tools/veggies.
• Everybody should maintain ALL FOUR SIDES of their plot, for weeds/grass. This way, with dual assistance on most pathways, there is less chance of weeds to get out of hand. If weeds are allowed to grow, they will go to seed and scatter -- making the problem worse for everybody.
• Water is precious -- let's be mindful of our watering choices. Try not to plant many things inside pots -- they require much more watering. And be wary of timers -- we've had major water-loss problems at the garden because of peoples' timers watering unnecessarily or leaking.
• Orange "vacation flags" should be stuck in your plot if you'll be gone for some time, and would like others to water for you. And likewise, if you see an orange flag in your neighbor's plot as you are watering, be kind and give them a bit of water when you're doing your own plot.
• Walt came by and gave his cell phone number to the group. It has been added to the sheet inside the shed. If there's ever a utility emergency, call him directly.
• Common-use tools in the shed should be kept clean and organized. Wipe of dirt before putting away. Make sure shed is locked before you leave garden.
• Children: please encourage them to garden! But also, make sure they are supervised. Tools can be dangerous, and unattended children have been seen playing with things that could cause harm. Kids should also be reminded to stay out of other peoples' plots and to not pick things that do not belong to them.
• Dogs MUST be kept on leash when inside garden, and MUST be kept close to owner's plot. NO free-roaming dogs allowed inside garden.
• There is no reason that we can't be maintaining our gardens year round. There are things that can grow every single month, and there have been too many plots left unattended/overgrown for months on end. If you can't maintain your plot year-round, contact Tyler, and arrangements can be made to have others look after your plot.
• We will be posting a planting chart in the shed and online, giving some ideas of what can be grown when. But experiment!
• Tomato cages -- there are plenty back behind the shed. Feel free to re-use for the 2009 season. Unclaimed cages by May 15th will be cleared out.

Joanne mentioned that she had signed us up for a program regarding bee-counting and sunflowers from greatsunflower.org. We'll look forward to hearing her updates on this.

Susan mentioned that she had a surplus of clay pots, and will bring some to the garden to share.

It was suggested that since we're in S.M. County, that we could grow things and submit them to the San Mateo County Fair. If for no other reason, a $2 submission fee, you get a pair of tickets to the fair!

We did some volunteer signups for ongoing common-area caregiving (although EVERYONE should feel free to chip in and work on anything if they're feeling productive!):

• Outside Border-
  San Francisco St. Above Gate: Leanne B
  Below Gate: Nancy R/Jeanne C/Lynne G
  Quarry Road Side: Chris E/Carolyn P
  Grapes: Daisy S/Brandon A
  
  Lisbon Lemon/Cactus/Roses (Lower Fenceline): Cynthia Z/Joanne M
  
  Avocado/Lemon by Shed: Chelsea DS
  
  Shed Cleanup/Organize: Robert P/Nancy R (coordinate with shed leveling)
  Shed Leveling: TC/City
  
  Garbage: TC/Zoe H
  
  Sunflower Project: Joanne M/Chris E
  
  Compost-
  Lower: Joanne M/Cynthia Z
  Upper (SF St.): TC/Susan M
  Upper (Quarry Rd): Zoe H/Betsey DS
  
  Star Patio: Leesa/Sandip

The meeting was followed by many folks chipping in and spending the next couple of hours doing general garden work, thanks to the weather clearing up.

Thanks again to all who attended!

This is the ideal planting time of the year -- time to get our hands dirty!