Hollenback Community Garden Meeting
Minutes – May 15, 2018
Introductions: Went around introducing ourselves and say what we would like to learn more about. Some topics were compost, bees/pollinators, general growing, companion planting, plant disease, etc.
Talk about bringing the Clinton Hill community members into the garden. Postcards will be made to introduce people to the garden. They can be posted and distributed to garden visitors.
It’s a good idea to bring sunblock and insect repellant.
Schedule: Review of this season’s schedule. See website for dates of workdays and meetings.
This week’s garden work day is moved to Sunday, May 20 due to rain forecasts.
Operations Committee: Reviewed weekend’s work agenda – benches, rebuilding of broken beds, compost toilet. We need ideas for grape vine trellis.
Other projects on the horizon: bat house, compost/topsoil will be deliver and will need a workday to distribute it throughout the garden, sign painting materials are available to plots and overall garden communication.
Membership rules reviewed. HCG is NOT a private garden. Keep gates open when in the garden. Always be inclusive. No loud partying. 10 PM is about the latest time to be in the garden. Be considerate of the neighbors. Use good judgement.
View of key policy. 1 work day and 2 meetings plus paid dues are needed before getting a garden key.
Remember to pay your dues: Paypal online or in person in cash. Pay dues on a sliding scale – $10-50. BY JUNE 15
Current balance in garden fund is $4,440
signup for Garden Open Hours online via google Doc.
Volunteers are needed to help with the kids, herb and welcome garden. Members who are on vacation could us help with their plots.
There are more free plants available. tomatoes, peppers, local natives plants, tulip bulbs. Next year, we need to plan for a bigger pickup from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden plant sale.
A big Thank you for contributions to PS 20 – They now have Bees!
Events: Plant sale was a bit over a break-even success. We will have more plant/bake sales.
Events Committee wants to hear your ideas. – Send in your ideas.
Harvest event aligns with the community block party.
Compost Committee needs to additional volunteers.
Please do not leave plastic bags in the compost. Take labels off your food scraps.
Use the city bins for meat, dairy, avocado pits, corn cobs, etc. Do not place in garden compost.
Water: If you see standing water, empty it. Water attract mosquitos.
Always close barrels tightly.
BQLT is the nonprofit that supports community gardens: All members are encouraged to attend their meetings and events. Report back and receive garden credits towards your members responsibilities.
People’s Garden in Bushwick is a great garden to visit.