Notes on St. Alban's meeting on Flowers and Gardens, Jan. 31, 2010.
A list of questions and thoughts on gardens was read and used to begin the discussion. Thought: The children of the church should be included in our gardening activities. Sunday School curriculum could include the concept of stewardship of the earth.
Suggestion: activities might be used as an incentive to keep the kids interested. For example, they could earn points by working in the gardens then use these accumulated points to earn a trip to the zoo, nature center, etc.
Grants for tools and supplies will be investigated.
When discussing what produce was successful and useful it was pointed out that tomatoes are not something people use from the pantry. Sweet potatoes, lettuce, peas and beans are recommended.
Issue: people didn't take care of raised beds very well.
There is a need to alter the watering system to serve the raised beds more efficiently and Bob W. is working on that. These beds transpire quickly and need to be watered almost every day.
A bale of peat moss needs to be added to garden and lime should be added ASAP.
Suggestions re: weed control: Consider using used carpeting strips which allow moisture to travel though, but weeds are inhibited. A concern was expressed about formaldehyde contained in some carpeting. Newspapers were used last summer but they blew with the wind. It was suggested that mulch be placed on top of papers and this would hold them down.
Sally C. suggested a chemical approved by vets that they use for weed control and she says it is very effective. She is willing to donate some should we decide to use this.
Other concerns: Large flower pots in front need to be maintained and watered often if we wish to continue using them. The flower bed under the sign should be planted with something hardy as water must be carried there. Consider using a low growing perennial groundcover (flowering if possible). Also of concern: the columbarium area and the beds under the windows on the south and west of the building. We will need people willing to "adopt" each of these areas if we wish to continue with plantings.
Decision: On the two Saturdays before Easter (March 20 and 27) we will hold work days to clean up the grounds and do what planting may be possible that early. It was pointed out that prior planning is very important for these workdays and that these dates will depend on the weather.
Play Area: The fenced area should be reserved for the "littles" to keep them in a safe place. Consider a basketball goal, four square, hopscotch, etc. for the older children.
Suggestion: Consider planting fruit trees for the future. It was asked that our future building expansion be discussed and considered when deciding on tree planting. It was also mentioned that fruit trees require a great deal of care, including regular spraying.
A committee to discuss long term land use should be established.
Along those lines, we're going to need classrooms and a nursery. Should we consider an activity building to include those? What about placing a windbreak, because the wind is so strong through our property?
People who have an interest in planning and working with gardens and flowers should speak with Bob, Romain or Cathy Carleton.
People interested in discussing playground plans should speak with Paula or Tammy.
Submitted by:
Cathy Carleton
