Grapevine Garden Club Board Minutes

GRAPEVINE GARDEN CLUB GENERAL MEETING MINUTES “TOP OF THE VINEYARD” STACY FURNITURE February 23, 2010

Suzi Guckel called the Garden Club meeting to order at 10:00 AM. The minutes from the General meeting on January 26, 2010, which had been emailed and were available on the tables, were approved as written.

PROGRAM: Joyce Weutig introduced our speaker Janet Curry, who is with the Ball Horticulture Company. She works with growers, landscapers and retailers on new products for consumers. Her informative program included pictures of the Ball test garden in West Chicago and new plants and products that they offer.

BUSINESS MEETING: Suzi called the business meeting to order at 11:07 am.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS: 1. Treasurer: Karen Rice presented the January report and copies were available on each table. Total monthly income was $100; total monthly expenses were $4,236.00, mostly due to scholarships. The ending balance was $30, 622.00.

2. Membership: Pat Mingus announced that we had 84 members present and 15 visitors and welcomed each of our guests.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS: 1. Trips and Tours: Suzi read an announcement from Joetta King. There will be a tour to Fort Worth on Thursday, April 8 from 9am to 3pm. We will have a guided walk in the Tandy Hills Natural Area followed by shopping at Old Home Supply House, Home to Garden, Pendery’s World of Spices and Elizabeth Anna’s Old World Garden Nursery. Additional information will be included in the March newsletter.

For those attending the Houston trip, folders are ready to be picked up today,

2. Newsletter: Kathy Dohrer described a new project to better serve members with a list of the best gardening websites and blogs. She asked for a response with suggestions by March 8. The list will be printed in the newsletter and also added to the club website.

3. West Texas Street: Suzi explained that this is a project which previously installed plantings and flower beds in the low income housing on West Texas Street. There was a workday on February 16 to do pruning and weeding. The volunteers who participated were recognized and thanked. 4. Flowercade: Suzi told us that Sarah Erickson or Rachel Clark will be contacting those who had indicated an interest in participating in Flowercade this year. More information will also be included in the March newsletter.

5. Plant Sale: Joyce Quam reminded us that the funds from the annual plant sale are used for scholarships and civic projects. Help is needed from everyone and sign-up sheets for volunteers were available on the tables.

Joyce modeled the long-sleeved denim shirt with the club logo which is available for $26.50. There are also short-sleeved polo shirts available in purple or white for $23.50 and short-sleeved T-shirts in lilac or white for $13.50. A form for ordering shirts was on the membership table.

Joyce reminded us that today was the deadline for ordering caladiums.

Barb Munn explained that plants can be pre-ordered before the plant sale. The forms have been emailed and are available by calling her. Pre-ordered plants in 4in pots must be purchased by flats; other sizes are available individually. Members will receive a 10% discount and hopefully prices will be unchanged from last year. Orders must be pre-paid and will be picked up on Friday at the Members Only sale.

Barb informed us that four types of ferns in 4in pots have already been purchased and are available now in her greenhouse. There are about 200 available and they can be purchased in any quantity.

Barbara Atkins showed us the handout about the Plant Sale which has already been emailed to the members. She asked that we print copies and offer them to friends who might be interested. It will also be included in the March newsletter and there are also posters available which can be posted in public locations.

Joyce Quam explained that the heritage plants are very important to the success of the plant sale and highly valued by the customers. She asked that we notify Val Reed or Karen Rice if we have any plants in our yard which can be potted up in advance. Karen announced that the first potting party will be on Thursday, February 25 at 9:30am to pot summer phlox from her neighborhood association.

6. Red Bud Program: Suzi explained that Laura Ball was not able to attend today and informed us that two more volunteers are needed at Heritage Elementary on March 5. We will be demonstrating how to plant a tree, reading a book which will be donated to the school and distributing redbud trees to the third grade classes at Heritage Elementary and Holy Trinity schools. 7. Membership: Pat Mingus presented door prizes to the guests and members and thanked those who had generously provided the door prizes

8. Hostess Recognition: Paula Wilbanks thanked today’s hostesses, Val Reed (Chair), Margaret Brinson, Paula Wilbanks, Barbara Thompson, Eloise Beller, Pat Mingus, Barb Munn and Thierrie Mazur.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Paula Jones told us about the Chocolate Fest which will be held on March 12 at the La Buena Vida Winery. Handouts with more information were on each table. 2. Paula Pafford announced that the Taste of Grapevine will be held on April 8 at the Hilton DFW Lakes. It will include at least 35 restaurants and the tickets cost $25.00 if purchased in advance. 3. Rebeka Cook gave us information about two events which will be held at Nash Farm. The first is the Spring into Nash Farm Event which will be held on April 19 and is a wonderful free event for children. The second event is a program on Urban Homesteading on May 8 from 10am to 2pm, which will offer information on raising vegetables, chickens and bees. She also asked for volunteers to help plant their spring garden. 4. Lisa Grove explained that the current copy of the Grapevine Parks and Recreation Playbook has information about the classes at the Botanical Gardens and the Garden Club Plant Sale. She had extra copies available for those who are not Grapevine residents. 5. Lynda Stewart told us about the “Butterflies in the Garden” exhibit which will open soon at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden. Using a Fort Worth Star Telegram Press Pass will offer a discount on the price of the tickets.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

______Suzi Guckel, GGC President Date Approved

______Barbara Oldani, Recording Secretary Date Approved